UK placed second in international sandwich competition

The UK gained second-place in a battle to be crowned champion of the 10th Délifrance Sandwich World Cup, losing out to Turkey.

Ricky Matonti, 19, a student of the University of West London created an indulgent Open Cassoulet Sandwich featuring a puree of haricot beans, his own ketchup and slow cooked duck confit on Délifrance Sourdough Pavé.

The competitors were asked to demonstrate the creation of a sandwich that was original, nutritional, quick and easy to prepare, using Délifrance bread. The judging panel was headed by Michelin-starred French chef, and Délifrance partner, Michel Roth, and also included Italian chef, Stefano Masanti and last year's champion, Malaysia's Darren Chin.

"It's quite incredible to see how each sandwich reveals the personality of its creator," said Roth. "I think it's fantastic that a competition, like this one organised by Délifrance, celebrates the future of the profession in this way."

"I am absolutely delighted to have come second in this international competition," said Matoni.

"The pressure was on creating the sandwich in front of the judging panel but I really enjoyed the experience. I was proud to represent the UK but to be in the final three and announced as second place is incredible," he added.

Matoni wins €440 (£360) worth of Mauviel kitchenware which he will use in his final year of studying for a Chef and Restaurant Diploma.