The Conker World Championships has been embroiled in a cheating scandal after the winner of the tournament was discovered with a steel decoy in his pocket.
Known as “King Conker”, David Jakins secured the 2024 men’s competition title at the international event in Southwick, Northamptonshire, this weekend. However, the validity of his victory has been called into question after cheating allegations surfaced, accusing him of using a conker made of steel to “obliterate” his opponents.
After the competition, the retired engineer was found to have a steel dummy, shaped and painted to look like a real conker and threaded on identical lace. The 82-year-old, who was also responsible for drilling and threading the conkers that competitors choose randomly from, also faces accusations of marking the strings to identify the strongest ones. Jakins, who has entered the competition 46 times in the past, has denied all of the allegations.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
HIGH AND MIGHTY
The Dolomites offer some of the best skiing in Europe. Annabel Grossman picks where to play, and where to stay
'The problem is the left is weaker than the right - it's getting its head kicked in'
Ash Sarkar the Queen of Woke’ speaks with Maira Butt about moving past identity politics and debates over unisex loos, sparring with Piers Morgan... and going to therapy
FLIPPING FANTASTIC
With Ramadan and Pancake Day falling at the same time, Queenie Shaikh explored the best malpuras, qatayef and gozleme 1 in one of Europe’s most mugteicuitural cities, London
Fitness has a class problem affecting far too many of us
Research has shown that women on lower incomes feel alienated from gyms and exercise classes. Katie Rosseinsky talks to fitness advocates who want to do something about it
Teenage talent saves City from Plymouth humbling
For eight minutes, it threatened to be perhaps the most ignominious day of a managerial career that has produced three Champions Leagues, 12 domestic league titles and a couple of FA Cups.
Kurdish armed group PKK declares ceasefire in Turkey
Kurdish militants who have waged a 40-year insurgency in Turkey declared a ceasefire yesterday in what could mark a significant boost to president Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government, two days after their imprisoned leader called for the group to disarm.
Think Trump hates Europe? You ain't seen nothing yet...
European leaders have rushed out messages of support for Volodymyr Zelensky and are bustling to London for today’s emergency talks in a what the heck” moment. Facing them now is how to protect Ukraine. In the long term, it’s the continent itself that’s in danger from Donald Trump’s attack dog.
Sustainable stays in Britain
Seven UK hotels earned B Corp status between 2021 and 2024. Emma Henderson on what this status means for an energy-intensive industry and if it makes for a better visit
Only cup glory can save United's season of delusion
If winning the FA Cup could ease Manchester United’s plight, they may reflect that it helped get them into this mess. FA Cup glory at Wembley famously transformed one United manager’s reign; in a different way, it altered that of another.
By royal appointment: King opens his doors to Zelensky
King Charles will meet Volodymyr Zelensky at Sandringham today in a rare and dramatic sign of royal support.
