Martin Atkins skilfully repeated last year's success in the hotly contested £500 John Smith's Brewery-sponsored Escrick Open - but not without a huge slice of luck.

Atkins, whose reputation as a key Yorkshire County side member goes before him, displayed his vast armoury of talent, especially when seemingly dead and buried.

Graham Harrison (Leeds), also a member of the squad but yet to represent the county, took Atkins apart in the opening round, throwing 180 for 14 then 15 darts.

However, Atkins blitzed the board with 17, 14 then 116 finish for 15 to win.

York's Dave O'Hara progressed against Escrick local Colin Blackburn (21) with two 21s then 120 finish for 24 but Atkins wasn't as forgiving.

O'Hara opened with a stirring 18 before Atkins drilled in two 15 darters and for good measure rounded off with 14.

The semi-final was again a trying time for the champion.

Opponent Paul Cooper, who triumphed in a tremendous tussle with Chris Thompson (123 finish for 15 and 20) with 18, 16 and a 17 dart clincher, led 2-0, both in 18 darts.

But Atkins clawed back with 20 then 14 and took it in 17 when the York exponent had a golden opportunity to win the decider in 12 darts.

The other half of the draw was also filled with drama.

The partisan audience were willing on York's Barry Noble following his 16 darts, marvellous 151 finish for 12 then 20 darts against Mark Blundell.

However, another Leeds super league player, who represents The Reynville, Armley, appeared on the horizon.

John Dean was the man. He took 19, 20, 20 to eliminate one of the favourites, Dave Smith, then 18, 17, 16 to see off John Mooring (15).

Noble set off with a blistering 180 for 13 then 15 darts but Dean wasn't destroyed and turned the tables with 16, 180 for 15 then 17.

Atkins was on the rack once more when Dean shot 18 to start the final but typically stood his ground with 21, 13 then 15 before nervously clinching the top prize with 24.

Updated: 11:30 Tuesday, November 13, 2001