Takeru Kobayashi reclaims world hamburger eating title

The Japan News.Net
Wednesday 30th September, 2009 (ANI)

London, Sept 30 : Japanese speed-eater Takeru Kobayashi has reclaimed the world hamburger eating title.

The 31-year-old speed-eating demon defeated reigning champion Joey Chestnut in the Krystal Square Off World Hamburger Eating Championship in Chattanooga, Tennessee, reports the Daily Express.

Before a crowd of more than 10,000, Kobayashi crushed the competition by eating 93 Krystal hamburgers in eight minutes over Chestnut's 81.

In addition to reclaiming the title, the Japanese victor also won 20,000 dollars, along with the coveted Krystal Square Off Champion's Belt and Trophy made out of crystal.

Kobayashi set a new standard by adhering to The Krystal Company's new rules.

Krystal imposed a "no dunking" rule, which prevented eaters from dipping their burgers in liquid. The competitors were also given five Big Angus Burgers at the start of the competition, each equal to five Krystal burgers in size.

Kobayashi's victory over Chestnut puts him back on top of the sport he brought into the American mainstream more than eight years ago.

He saw his star fall in the past three years after several high-profile losses, including a loss to Chestnut last year in Chattanooga.

Kobayashi has now won the Krystal Square Off four of its six years.

Chestnut earns 10,000 dollars for his second place finish and Patrick Bertoletti, who finished third with 76, takes away 5,000 dollars.

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