EGHAM bowler Ian Jenkins lifted the fourth North Wilts Open Singles title at the Chippenham club on Sunday.

Jenkins defeated Malvern Hills’ Ryan Atkins in straight sets in the final (8-3, 6-2) to pick up the £1,000 first prize in the Gazette & Herald-backed event at Westcroft.

The victor was taken to the limit in his last 16 clash with Avon Valley’s Andy Smith, squeezing through 2-1 in a tie-break after finishing at a set apiece.

It was a similar story in the quarter finals as Jenkins was pushed by clubmate Steve Tuohy before prevailing 2-1 in a tie-break before he booked a final berth with a straight sets success over Tom Smith (Erewash).

Atkins saw off his own father Mark in the last 16 before winning a tie-break against Andy McIntyre (Carterton), who had previously conquered teenager Nicole Rogers (Lodden Vale) in the quarter finals.

World number 11 Mark Royal was his opponent in the last four, but Atkins prevailed 8-3, 6-2 to reach the final.

Earlier in the day reigning champion Martin Selway (Islwyn) lost his chance to win the title for the third year in a row, being beaten by Tuohy (Egham) in the second round.

Home player Andy Bradfield reached the last 16 before going out in straight sets to Smith.

Tournament director Dave Williams said: “We started with 72 players from all over the country including a player who flew down from Scotland, Graeme MacDougall (West of Scotland) and some of the higher ranked circuit leaders.

“There was some excellent bowling, once again and we can confirm that we will be staging our fifth tournament on the open singles circuit on the same weekend next year.’’