GBR fencers Ren and Richards make the podium at London EFC Cadet Sabre Event

Today, Ian Ren (Leon Paul Sabre) claimed silver and Julian Richards II (Bergen Fencing Club) took bronze at the GLL Camden International Sabre event in London.

Held at the prestigious London 2012 venue, The Copper Box, the men’s event began with a field of one hundred fencers. Ren and Richards II stormed through the first round winning all six of their fights.  Ranked fifth and sixth respectively, Ren and Richards II both gained a bye through the round of 128.  Ren went on to beat Robertson (GBR) 15-2, Jean (CAN) 15-9, Wei (CAN) 15-11 and Kato (JPN) 15-10 to qualify for the quarterfinals.  Richards II beat Florez De Vargas (ESP) 15-13, Perroud (SUI) 15-14, Hemelsoet (BEL) 15-9 and Dinu (CAN) 15-14 to join Ren in the top eight.

In the quarterfinals Ren came up against GBR fencer Luke Haynes (Truro) who he beat 15-7 whilst Richards II defeated Kato (JPN) 15-12.  Richards II had to settle for a bronze medal as he fell 15-9 to Santamaria (ESP).

Meanwhile Ren won his semi-final 15-5 over Marciano (ITA) to set up a final showdown with the Spanish fencer in the final.  In a closely fought fight Santamaria edged out Ren to take the gold medal 15-13.

Speaking about his silver medal, Ian said, “It was a well run competition.  Thank you to my coach.  I feel like I fenced well and I will take what I have learnt with me to the event in Eislingen.”  Ian’s coach, Alex Bella added, “Practice!  More practice makes good results.”

On his performance, Julian said, “This event was an awesome competition to experience.  I loved the venue and quality of officiating.  This was a well run competition and I learnt a lot for it.  I found myself down at the halfway point in a lot of my bouts but I managed to comeback and win.  Next time I will come back stronger.”  His coach, Oleg Stetsiv added, “Julian had to fight back in several bouts today and did not let himself down.  We lost in the semi-final and will try to do better next time.  It was fun today.”

Maia Fashokun (Truro) achieved the best British result in the women’s event, finishing tenth.