PREVIEW

An American woman has claimed the overall title at this year's World Conker Championships, defeating the men's champion in a dramatic final that has been overshadowed by cheating accusations against veteran conkers star David Jakins.

Kelci Banschbach, originally from Indianapolis and now living in Suffolk, only took up the game last year but pulled off a fairytale victory. She defeated 82-year-old Jakins to secure the title of “Queen Conker”. Banschbach had triumphed in the women's competition before besting Jakins, who has competed for more than 40 years, in the final match.

However, the tournament took a controversial turn when claims emerged that Jakins affectionately known as “King Conker”, had been carrying a steel conker during the competition. He strongly denied any wrongdoing and claimed the item was a joke and was backed by organisers, despite them promising an investigation.

This year's tournament, held at the Shuckburgh Arms in Southwick, Northamptonshire, attracted enthusiastic and eccentrically dressed crowds as competitors vied for victory. Despite the controversy, the World Conker Championships, which has been held annually since 1965 and has raised £420,000 for charity, remains a beloved event.