The England junior team boss from Greetland, who plays for Queens Sports Club in the Yorkshire League, stormed back from two down to beat Irish international Steve Richardson 3-9, 9-10, 9-4, 9-5, 9-4.

"I'm really happy with that but I'm feeling a bit sore today," said Campion, whose playing career was hampered by hip and groin problems after he lost in the world junior final to Simon Parke in 1990.

"I have been training quite a bit and got quite fit so I thought I'd start playing again," said Campion, who was taking part in his first masters event for players over 35.

The 36-year-old now plans to play in the national championship in February when Peter Marshall, who didn't play in Liverpool, is likely to be top seed.

But James Willstrop was unable to make it a night of total celebration for Campion, losing in the main event to Australia's David Palmer by 11-9, 11-9, 8-11, 6-11, 11-10 (3-1) in a 111-minute thriller.

Willstrop, who is coached by Campion at Queens and played for Halifax until the demise of Super League this year, hit back from 2-0 down and Campion is convinced the 24-year-old should have won.

"He was 9-6 up in the fifth and at match point he should have been awarded a stroke. James thought he had won but the ruling was a let."

Palmer showed his toughness to claim the title for the fourth time and Campion added: "James was devastated. British Open titles are very hard to come by."

Nicol David beat Harrogate's Jenny Duncalf 9-1, 10-8, 9-0 in the women's final.