The senior world cup held in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, was cancelled after the death of their President, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan. The host country entered a state of mourning and work was suspended in the public and private sectors for the first three days following his passing.
Out of respect for the host nation’s status, the event was annulled by the FIE on the morning of the second day for the tableau of 64, cancelling the individual and team events in their entirety.
Sadly, for GBR’s Katrina Smith Taylor, she was unable to continue in her event having qualified for the second day.
In such unusual circumstances, British Fencing has taken the decision to recognise the following:
– Day one of the event was completed in full and the cancellation occurred at 8 am the following day.
– Katrina’s result will be awarded the position of 44th, as per the final tableau, in recognition of her strong performance from the poules and winning two Direct Elimination fights to qualify for the Table of 64.
– The results for Danielle Lawson and Susan Sica will be recognised, as their positions had already been confirmed.
– The results will be valid for selection purposes.
BF staff have been on hand to support the athletes through these unforeseen circumstances. We would like to recognise the positive way the athletes professionally and compassionately handled the disappointing news, whilst respecting the reasons for the cancellation of the event.
British Fencing would like to express its condolences to the United Arab Emirates.
Don’t miss the latest news. Subscribe to our weekly summary email, The Fencing Digest, featuring the previous week’s latest news and announcements. Sign up here.
Sign up to receive regular highlights from the exciting world of fencing - celebrating the best of our unique and inspiring community
