Daily Star reporter Alistair Grant made it to the final 16 at the World Conker Championships, taking on a host of colourful characters at Britain’s most bonkers day out. Among his opponents were ITV sports presenter Mark Pougatch and a giant chicken.
Grant was cheered on by TV sports host John Inverdale and an audience of Chelsea Pensioners. Speaking after the event in Southwick, Northamptonshire, he said: “I blitzed through the early rounds, but suffered nasty hits from my own conker, bruising my forearm. Then I fell in a sudden death shoot out on the brink of the quarter finals.”
Champion crowned in front of 2,500 fans
Tech salesperson Frankie Hooper, 28, from Maida Vale, West London, was finally crowned conkers champ in front of 2,500 fans at the 61st annual competition. She beat Simon Griffiths in the grand final.
Hooper also knocked Pougatch out in the first round, later admitting: "I can't believe it. It was only my second time competing, but I hit hard and somehow did it."
King Conker crowned
To prepare for the contest, Grant took on some sage advice from Jim Packer, the official King Conker himself. Packer was officially ‘crowned’ at yesterday’s event, replacing David Jakins, who previously did the job for two decades.
Reprising her role from the coronation of King Charles, ex-MP Dame Penny Mordaunt was there to do the honours. She also gave her blessing to Jakins’ daughter Fee Aylmore, who will serve as Queen Conker.
Jim, who is the organising group’s chairman, said of his new role: “I have big boots to fill, but now I know how King Charlie feels.”
