Published: 2 February, 2012
by STEVE BARNETT

THE borough proudly became the focus of the fencing world over the weekend as hundreds of top young athletes took part in the Camden International Cadet Sabre Tournament.

A nominated competition on the European Cadet under-17s Circuit, more than 220 boys and girls from 22 countries took part in the event, with teams coming from as far away as the USA, Japan and Canada.

A team of nine fencers from Camden Fencing Club also competed in the tournament, which was jointly held at Acland Burghley Secondary School in Tufnell Park and the Talacre Community Sports Centre in Dalby Street, Kentish Town.

In the men's category Camden’s Jonathon Webb produced Britain’s top result as he finished seventh in the Final Tableau, while team-mate Jacob Gander Compton also performed well as he progressed to last 32 where he finished 25th.

In the end the individual men’s title was won by Kostyantyn Voronov of the Ukraine, while Manon Brunet of France won the women’s title.

The United States and Italy won their respective men’s and women’s team events.

There was a special mention for Camden Fencing Club chairman Ronald Velden, who was presented with an award for his ongoing efforts improving fencing in the borough.

Mr Velden said: “I was surprised, I certainly wasn’t expecting it. It’s a very nice gesture and it’s good to feel appreciated.”

Reflecting on the reasons he set up the Camden International Cadet Sabre Tournament six years ago, Mr Velden added: “My vision was to create an opportunity for young people to compete in an international competition on home soil.

“Now the tournament is well respected across the world, and in terms of international fencing Camden is on the map.”