Swiss cherry spitters are challenging their American counterparts to a trans- Atlantic "spit out" - to decide who can rightfully claim to be world champions.

A dispute has broken out which could have legal consequences. "We are even considering suing the American cherry-spitting association" Swiss record holder and master chef, Thomas Steinhauser, told the tabloid "Blick" newspaper.

Steinhauser, who claims the world record at 25.22 metres, is reported to be spitting mad at the Americans.

He has rejected two accusations: that the Swiss took an illegal run-up to their record-breaking spit, and that he was using an "illegal" tinned cherry pip.

He said that as a professional cook, he would never use tinned cherries. Steinhauser said he preferred American cherry stones because they were more aerodynamic.

The Swiss have now challenged the Americans to put their mouths where their allegations are, to determine who holds the world title.

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