Camden based fencer Webb takes second place in Meylan

British number one cadet sabreur, Jonathan “JJ” Webb, 16, continued the recent run of British international success by taking the silver medal at the Meylan Cadet International sabre event in France at the weekend.  He came through a field of 121 fencers.

Webb cruised through all six of his first round fights dropping only 10 hits leaving him ranked second for the direct elimination stages.  William Deary (who recently made the cadet final in Godollo) and Rubin Amsalem also impressed in the first round taking third and seventh seeds respectively.

All three earned themselves byes through the incomplete round of 128.  Deary went on to beat compatriot Charles Gellett, 15-10 but then lost to Audren Lemme (FRA), 15-13, to finish 18th.  Amsalem took out Victor Porte (FRA) 15-9 in the round of 64 but fell 15-9 to Alban Berges (FRA) in the next round to finish 19th.  Webb struggled through his round of 64 fight but just beat Mathius Bellini (ITA) 15-14.  By his own admission this was the “wake-up” call he needed.  Whilst his round of 32 fight was also tight he made it through 15-13 over Thibault De Zuttere.  He stuck to his game plan in the following round and made light work of Thibaur Chauchoy, beating him 15-8.  Next up was Alban Berges (FRA) who had previously knocked out Amsalem.  Webb was able to learn from this loss with his coach and he eased into the semi-finals, winning 15-7.  Next up was Dario Cavaliere and Webb showed great energy in running away with the fight in the second period 15-12.  In the final he faced Nael Canali (FRA) and he put up a strong fight showing good variety if not execution.  He had to settle for the silver medal as Canali won 15-10.

Webb, now ranked 6^th in Europe, commented after the event: “This result is a great start to my International Season and shows what I have to offer in the future. I have worked hard in training in my off-season and this is paying off in my fencing. Thank you to all who have supported me.”

His coach, Ian Williams added: “This was a great start to JJ’s international season.  The hard work that he put in over the summer and since the start of the season has clearly paid off.  He came through several really tough fights and each time rose to the challenge, showing character and resilience.  We now have seven weeks before the next international in Goppingen in which to work on and improve certain areas of his game.”

Full results can be found on the tournament website.