Joppich & Kharlan Strike Gold as Davis wins Bronze for GB
It was the turn of the Men’s Foilists and Women’s Sabreurs on day two of the Senior European Championships in Zagreb, Croatia.
Men’s Foil
Day two of the European Championships 2013 in Zagreb, Croatia, began with the Men’s Foil individual event as 71 fencers including Cook, Davis, Kruse and Mepstead took to the piste.
In a tough field all four fencers made the first round cut; Davis (V5D0), Kruse (V4D1), Mepstead (V3D2) and Cook (V2D3). In the incomplete round of 32 Davis received a bye (as 4th seed) Kruse defeated Chaliankov (BLR) 15-8, Mepstead impressively knocked out Sedov (RUS) 15-9 but Cook narrowly lost 10-9 in the priority minute to Cadot (FRA). In the round of 32, despite a great performance Mepstead lost 15-12 to Joppich (GER) but Davis beat Majewski (POL) 15-10 and Kruse overcame Gustinelli (GER) 15-9. Both remaining fencers progressed through the round of 16 with Davis defeating Kontochristopoulos (GER) 15-10 and Kruse crushing the world number 1, Cassara (ITA) 15-7. Like Mepstead, Kruse fell to Joppich (GER) 15-12 in the round of 8 but Davis made the medal matches by beating Byk (BLR) 15-13.
In the first semi-final Davis face the reigning champion and world number 2, Cheremisinov (RUS). In the early stages the two traded hits but the Russian opened up a 9-6 lead by the first break. Davis was only able to score twice more as a determined Cheremisinov closed the fight out 15-8. In the second semi-final Baldini (ITA) faced Joppich (GER) and the two were tied at 7-7 at the first break. Joppich came out for the second period with a clear plan. He drew the Italian’s attack and successfully employed closing counter attacks to win the fight 15-11. In the final Joppich (GER) continued with his determined approach and led 5-2 at the first break. He continued to employ closing counter attacks and led 11-6 at the second break. Showing a little tension in the final period Joppich allowed Cheremisinov to close the gap but managed to get over the line with a beautiful counter riposte followed by another counter attack. He took the European title 15-12.
GB individual placings: Davis 3rd, Kruse 6th, Mepstead 22nd & Cook 43rd.
Women’s Sabre
The second event on day two of the championships was the Women’s sabre individual where 47 fencers fought to become European Champion 2013. There were no British participants.
The usual suspects progressed through to the semi-final stage with the top four world ranked European fencers fighting off for the medals. In the first semi-final Kharlan (UKR) faced Socha (POL). Kharlan came out the stronger and with a variety of attacks took the fight into the break 8-5 up. There was no looking back for the Ukrainian as she continued to attack and won 15-9. The second semi-final saw Vecchi (ITA) take on Vougiouka (GRE) and the Greek fencer was on the attack from the start. She led 8-5 at the break. She continued on the attack in the second period and despite a mini-rally from Vecchi, Vougiouka won 15-11. In the final, Vougiouka started slowly and was in a much more defensive mode than in her semi-final. Kharlan led 8-5 at the break and mixed up attack and defence to take the European title 15-7.
The third day will feature team events in Men’s Epee and Women’s Foil.
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