Champion’s upper lip draughty

Press, 17 May 1989, Page 1

Champion’s upper lip draughty

By

JANE DUNBAR

Half a mo and it was off — one side of Gary Davis’ moustache whisked away by a razor-wield-ing draughts winner.

It was a nervous moment for Mr Davis, an Australian, and Des Eastwick, of Hoon Hay. With a shaking hand but a gleeful grin, Mr Eastwick shaved off half the moustache forfeited when Mr Davis lost at draughts. A large crowd gathered in the Bush Inn Centre to witness the traumatic moment which left Mr Davis rubbing his face and muttering: “It feels empty.”

Mr Davis is the world record holder for the number of draughts games played simultaneously — 177 in four hours, 45 minutes.

He prides himself on “near invincibility” when playing

“checkers” and promises anyone who beats him can shave off half his moustache. Yesterday was the sixth time he has lost in about 20,000 challenge games played in 4 >/ 2 years.

He now has to face snickers from people for about three weeks until his moustache regrows.

Mr Eastwick, who has played < draughts for 20 years, was generous in victory. i “It was just the luck of the '■ game,” he said. It was a tight game but he did not have a clue how he won. ’ But Mr Davis did. He knew Mr ■ Eastwick was dangerous from the - moment they started playing. “I get worried when these good players come along,” he said. Z

Mr Davis will take on all comers at the Bush Inn Centre in daily demonstrations this week.