FIFE: The annual world fish-eating championship was held in its traditional home, the fishing centre of Fife, Scotland, yesterday — but not without some late high drama.

The reigning three-time world champion, James Hicks, a long-time Fife local, was again heavily favoured to win this year.

Twelve other stout-hearted men contested and, among, them was another former champion, the imposing Sven Aprilstaatd, from the fishing village of Fulski in Sweden.

The unusual variety of fish selected for the contest this year was Tench, a moderately thick fish that can grow up to 30cm in length. Those hand-picked for the contest were meticulously measured at (very close to) 15cm long.

Hicks and Sven made a meal of their early competition and were neck and neck and a full two fish in front of their nearest competitor when they both polished off their seventh Tench.

By the time they were halfway through their eighth they were the only two left in the competition.

However, perhaps Hicks should have spent some of the £UK1000 prize money ($A1804) from last year on dental work.

In the fiery passion of the final stages of the competition he was bitterly frustrated by the dislodging of one of his molars and could go no further in the contest.

Sven, meanwhile — all teeth in tip-top trim — slowly chewed his way through one last fish, to give him nine in total, and allow him to claim the honour of world champion Tench eater.