Top shucker in the Tabasco British Oyster Opening Championship

More than 100 guests turned out to show their support for the UK's finest oyster openers at the Tabasco British Oyster Opening Championship on September 1 at Richard Corrigan's famous oyster bar – Bentley's.

Twelve contestants battled it out for the British title including two women – a first for the championship – but there was no stopping Fredrik Lindfors who made yesterday his third win in the last five years opening 30 oysters in three minutes 18 seconds. A close second was Sam Tamsanguan of Wilton's restaurant, and in third place was Corrigan's Cristian Macovei.

Now in its 18th year, the contest represents the start of the native oyster season. Competitors follow the rules set by the Galway International Festival – 30 native oysters to be opened and perfectly presented on a silver tray – ready for consumption with a dash of Tabasco pepper sauce.

Lindfors, the 2010 British champion, will represent Britain in the international championship in Galway late September.

Among those cheering on the shuckers were Ainsley Harriott, Corrigan and food writer Alastair Hendy who also had a go at shucking, with Richard Corrigan a clear winner. He celebrated by eating all that he'd opened in record time, liberally laced with Tabasco pepper sauce.

Winners
1st Place – Fredrik Lindfors from The Fish Shop, Kensington Church Street, London his final time was 3 minutes 18 seconds.
2nd Place – Sam Tamsanguan from Wilton's restaurant, St James', London his final time was 3 minutes 23 seconds.
3rd Place – Cristian Macovei from Corrigan's restaurant, London his final time was four minutes 38 seconds.
4th Place – Filipo Salamone from Bentley's, London his final time was four minutes 45 seconds.

Competitors
Sam Tamsanguan (Wilton's, London)
Marianna Vakirtzideli (English's of Brighton)
David Oliver Jordan (Gow's Fish and Oyster Restaurant, Broad Street, London)
Fredrik Lindfors (The Fish Shop, Kensington Church Street, London)
Carl White (Hix Oyster and Chop House, London)
Cristian Macovei (Corrigan's, London)
Ursula Milan (Loch Fyne Gracechurch Street, London)
Filipo Salamone (Bentley's, London)
Serge Ahua  (J Sheekey, London)
Ivair De Oliviera Barbosa (Loch Fyne Restaurant Covent Garden,London)
 Roberto Marchesini (The Oyster and Champagne Bar, Selfridges, London)
Colin Strobach (Scotts, London).

Words: Sheila Eggleston

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