MARK DUDBRIDGE got back to winning ways on Saturday by taking the title at the first North Shields Rugby Club 128 tournament, defeating Terry Jenkins 5-3 in the final.
Dudbridge won his last event back in February, and has suffered first-game losses at the Budweiser UK Open, Las Vegas Desert Classic and Stan James World Matchplay this summer.
However, he returned to top form in the north-east to win the first staging of the tournament, which was organised by PDC official Gary Wood and had a £4,000 prize fund.
Dudbridge landed four 180s in the final against Jenkins, having overcome Robbie Green in the semis.
"It's nice to get the win," said Dudbridge. "My form's not been great recently but I played some good darts.
"I'm pleased to be playing well because there's a busy time coming up on the PDC circuit and I'm determined to have a good end to the year."
Jenkins overcame Colin Lloyd 5-4 in the other semi-final, while the world number one saw off Alan Warriner-Little 5-3 in the quarters thanks to three successive 12-dart legs which had finishes of 126 on the bull, 141 and 170.
Kevin Painter, Steve Beaton and Wes Newton also made the last eight, while Peter Manley reached the last 16.
Andy Jenkins had a first round loss to top Northumberland player Andy Lynn, going down 5-3.