Hot dog eating champ Takeru Kobayashi to miss US contest in contract row

A former world hot dog eating champion may miss the chance to regain the crown from his bitter rival in New York this weekend - because of his contract demands.

Japan's Takeru Kobayashi is refusing to sign an exclusivity clause with the organisers of the Fourth of July contest on Coney Island, and will be banned from competing unless he does.

Kobayashi, 32, moved to New York in March to train with American hot dogs in an effort to triumph in the contest, which he won six times in a row before. Since then he has been beaten by American Joey Chestnut.

"I really want to compete in the event," Kobayashi told Japanese media. He said it "holds a special place in my heart" but could not agree with the conditions.

Kobayashi became a celebrity in Japan by eating his way to victory from 2001 to 2006, a feat that remains unmatched. Chestnut has won the title for the last three years, setting a world record by scoffing 68 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes last year.

Two years ago, Chestnut beat Kobayashi in a five-dog eat off, after they tied at 59 frankfurters each. Chestnut won by three and a half hot dogs.

In May last year, Kobayashi beat Chestnut in a pizza eating contest, consuming five and three quarters in six minutes ahead of Chestnut's five and a half.

If Kobayashi is out of the game, Chestnut's toughest opponent may be Bob Shoudt, the world's number two champion eater, and Patrick Bertoletti, ranked number four.

The 95th annual hot-dog eating contest will take place in Coney Island on Sunday. American TV viewers can catch the spectacle on ESPN. It has been held every Independence Day since 1916.

Kobayashi and Chestnut: The 2007 eat-off