All the last three appear to be at or very close to
the band but this is where the experts and their
technique emerge. Thomas Wolanin is focussed,
Darren Cioffi is a picture of concentration with
his own specially developed techniques. He won’t
talk to anyone a having total focus on his cigar.
Aaron Palmer has his cigar wedged in the beams
of a powerful light, which enables him to see the
smoke from the cigar and to pull on it just at the
vital moment to keep it alight.
At 1 hr 36 minutes and 35 seconds Thomas
Wolanin is the first of the three to crack and the
top Brit on the night.
Now it’s down to the two experts and the tension
is palpable. Each has his own techniques to ensure
the cigar burns while stopping the ash from
touching the band.
And then it’s over at 1 hr 48 minutes and 52
seconds the world champion raises his number to
declare himself out and just 47 seconds later with
an incredible final time of 1hr 49 minutes and 39
seconds the contest is over and the UK Champion
is confirmed as Aaron Palmer.
There were presentations from the evenings
sponsors Glenfidich and the group lit up more
cigars and spent a great evening over drinks and
some wonderful food, discussing the minutia of
the slow smoking game.
Aaron and Darren, who has already qualified,
will go onto take part in the grand finale in Split,
Croatia on the 4th to the 6th of September 2015.
For more details on the final see
www.clubmareva.com
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