This weekend, London based British fencer, 27 year old Richard Kruse,  took a sixth place finish at the St Petersburg Grand Prix. 

With Olympic qualification well under way, this result along with Kruse’s silver medal at the Seoul World Cup two weeks ago, makes him a strong favourite for an automatic qualifying spot. 

His top 16 world ranking meant Kruse did not have to fence in the early rounds, getting a bye through to top 64.  Victories over Martine (FRA) 15-12, Kovansky (RUS) 15-11, Imboden (USA) 15-7 left him facing last year’s under-20 world champion, El-Sayed (EGY).  A poor start to each of the three minute periods of play left Kruse having to play catch-up throughout the fight.  He was eventually beaten 15-12.

Head coach, Ziemek Wojciechowski, said, “With a more patient approach Richard could have won this fight” before adding, “this was another good performance and I feel Richard’s form is on the way up.  The next few competitions should prove this.”

Newly appointed Performance Manager, Alex Newton was pleased with the result.  “Automatic Olympic qualification is what it is all about for all of our fencers at the moment.  It’s great to see Richard putting together some consistent performances at high level.”

Andrea Baldini (ITA) beat compatriot Andrea Cassara 14-13 for the gold medal with a third Italian, Giorgio Avola finishing seventh.

The next qualifying event is in Havana in just two weeks time.

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For further information please contact Karim Bashir on 07855 252 546 or [email protected]. Catch Sport, working in partnership with British Fencing.