Eden Amsalem on the way to a 15-14 win against Charles Hankenne from Belgium.

Published: 30 January, 2014
by STEVE BARNETT

MORE than 200 fencers were given a glimpse of what it would be like to take part in the Olympics at the weekend when they turned out in force for the Camden International Cadet Sabre Tournament.

The prestigious competition, which is organised by Camden Fencing Club, attracted fencers from 18 different countries as it returned for its eighth year.

An eagerly-awaited fixture on the European Fencing Federation Circuit, this year the boys’ and girls’ individual championships were given an extra special touch of glamour when they were held at the Copper Box Multi Sports Arena in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, one of the eye-catching venues used during the 2012 Olympics.

Jointly sponsored by Greenwich Leisure Ltd and Leon Paul, Baptiste Dubarry from France won the boys’ individual title, while there was a surprise in the girls’ individual event as Misaki Emura from Japan won gold.

Of the Camden contingent Eden Amsalem, who lives in Tufnell Park, finished a creditable 18th for Great Britain out of 123 fencers in the boys’ event, while Shreya Anil was 28th out of 81 fencers.

France won the boys’ and girls’ team titles, which were held at the Leon Paul Centre in Hendon.

Chair of Camden Fencing Club and organiser Ronald Velden, who will be stepping down at the end of this season, said: “This year’s event was a huge success. This is now a prestige sporting event for the borough and should be cherished.”