Tucker won the 250 and 275-millimetre standing handicaps plus the 250mm veterans’ event (for over-60s) and showed his versatility by placing third in the 300m tree felling handicap.

Deloraine’s Daniel Gurr won the tree felling despite giving the front-marker 110 seconds head start.

It was the perfect start for Gurr in the lead-up to the world championship in Sydney in April.

Gurr’s father, 16-time world champion Matthew Gurr, finished second from a handicap of 85 seconds.

A highlight of the afternoon was the announcement of Chudleigh Show woodchopping organiser Jack Sturzaker as the Tasmanian Axemen’s Association axe-person of the year.

Sturzaker was surprised by the award and said he was truly humbled to be honoured with such a prestigious recognition.

Winkleigh world champion Dale Beams was victorious in the Tom Evans Memorial 325mm standing championship, from Kody Steers and Andrew Kelly. 

Heats were cut in elimination style, with two axemen going head to head until only six remained for the final, with the format proving a great spectacle for the crowd.

Veteran Terry Hodgetts made good use of his handicap to win the 225mm standing handicap, with Danny Arnold taking out the 300mm standing handicap from Daniel Gurr.

Gurr capped off a solid day by leading the teams race winners, while Andrew Halliday won the 250mm front-markers standing handicap.

Mitchell Rowe claimed the 250mm junior underhand handicap, with Amanda Beams coming from behind to win the women’s 275mm underhand handicap.