Will Deary claims gold from James Honeybone at Leon Paul Cup

Day two of the biggest sabre tournament of the year held in the UK, saw thirty-five fencers line up for the Senior Men’s Sabre FIE Satellite event – The Leon Paul Cup. Will Deary (Truro) won the event hosted at The Copper Box, Queen Elizabeth II Olympic Park.  He beat fellow countryman and teammate James Honeybone in the final.

In a field of seventy-five, Deary came through the first round dropping one of his six fights whilst Honeybone defeated all six of his opponents.  Honeybone, ranked first, had a bye through the round of 64, before going on to beat 21 year old Canadian, Pitura 15-8, Belgium’s second highest ranked fencer, De Visscher 15-10, teammate Webb 15-11 and the 25 year old Italian, Scepi 15-14 to make the final.  Meanwhile, Deary, ranked eleventh beat teammate Martin 15-3, the 26 year old American who won the 2013 Reykyavik Satellite, Kolasa 15-9, two Hungarians, 21 year old Pech 15-13, then 20 year old Galgozy 15-9 and 29 year old Italian Repetti 15-10.

The final between clubmates was always going to be tight but Deary came out on top with a 15-11 victory.  Speaking shortly after the medal ceremony, he said, “I have worked very hard for this competition and its good to see that over the years it has paid off!  A big thank you to all the coaches and support team that have helped along the way!”

The two Italians, Giovanni Repetti and Stephano Scepi, shared the bronze medal position.