Cambridge Professor Secures 12th Tiddlywinks World Title

Patrick Barrie, a professor from Cambridge University, has secured his 12th Tiddlywinks world title after a marathon seven-hour match against American challenger Dave Lockwood. The final, held at The Castle Inn pub in Cambridge, saw Barrie, 61, emerge victorious with a score of 26-23.

Barrie, who works in Cambridge's Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, described the victory as a "curious mixture of elation and relief." He noted the pressure that comes with being the favorite to win, especially against a seasoned opponent like Lockwood, who is also an 11-time world champion.

The Game of Tiddlywinks

Tiddlywinks involves players using small plastic discs, known as "winks," to pot them into a cup. Players can also strategically block opponents by landing their winks on top of others. The game has roots in the late Victorian era, with its modern competitive form stemming from a group of Cambridge undergraduates in 1955. The English Tiddlywinks Association was founded in 1958 to govern the sport.

A Rivalry Renewed

Barrie and Lockwood, 73, have a long-standing rivalry. Lockwood, nicknamed "the Dragon," has won 11 titles previously, including nine in a row from 1978 to 1982. He revealed that he had recently undergone surgery for a brain hemorrhage but is recovering well.

Barrie highlighted the blend of physical skill and strategic thinking required for Tiddlywinks, comparing the championship format to that of a boxing world title. "You've got to think about strategy and tactics, you have to control your nerves," he said. While basic shots can be mastered relatively quickly, developing the tactical acumen to know when to play them takes years.

Harley Jones, chairman of the English Tiddlywinks Association and umpire for the match, described the game as "really nail-biting" and compared it to chess "if you could miss." There are approximately 120 players globally who are currently rated in the sport.

Barrie is scheduled to compete next against Tim Hunt, the current British champion, with discussions underway for the next World Singles Tiddlywinks Championships, potentially in the spring.