Last week saw Smitheram, a consultant at international talent management, business transformation and executive and board services specialist Mercuri Urval, launch his defence of the world title he won in Lille in September last year.

But this year it was not to be for Smitheram, with Australian David Eldar taking the title.

Speaking to Recruiter, Smitheram revealed he once again managed to defeat last year’s finalist Mark Nyman, world number one Nigel Richards and even twice defeat Eldar, just not in the game that mattered.

But Smitheram said the resilience he has built up as a recruiter and his natural competitiveness are consoling him, adding: “I'll be back, and next year I'll be unstoppable.”