Cambridge professor retains world Tiddlywinks title after seven-hour match

Cambridge professor Patrick Barrie retained the world Tiddlywinks title by beating American challenger Dave Lockwood 26–23 in a seven-hour match. The close contest shows how the game’s formal challenge format can turn a traditional pastime into a demanding test of skill and nerve.

The match took place at the Castle Inn in Cambridge. Lockwood, nicknamed the Dragon, challenged Barrie after winning a national singles title; only national singles champions can challenge the reigning world champion. The English Tiddlywinks Association says around 120 people have played in a tournament in the past year, and Barrie’s next challenge is expected to come from British champion Tim Hunt.