Quentin Vervoitte, left, takes on Eliott Bibi in an all-French final in the men’s individual event. Picture: Bronagh Miskelly

Published: 5 February, 2015
by STEVE BARNETT

FENCING fans from across Camden and Islington were among the crowds who turned out in force at the 

Copper Box Arena in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park at the weekend for one of the most eagerly-awaited fixtures on the international cadet circuit. 

More than 160 top fencers from 16 European countries sharpened their blades as they competed in the GLL Camden International Cadet Sabre Tournament. 

The competition is a ranking event for the British U-17s sabre circuit and the European Fencing Confederation  circuit, and is the final international outing for GB fencers to score points in the race to qualify for the U-17s World Championships. 

France dominated the men’s event, with Quentin Vervoitte beating his compatriot Eliott Bibi 15-9 in the final to take gold. 

In the women’s event, it was Italy who took gold as European No1 Lucia Lucarini beat Great Britain’s Jessica Corby 15-8 in the final. 

In the team events Camden Fencing Club’s Shreya Anil helped Team GB strike gold in the women’s sabre, with Romania and Switzerland collecting silver and bronze respectively. 

France saw off close competition from runners-up Italy to win the men’s sabre team event. Team GB won the bronze medal. 

Event manager Katie Rhodes from British Fencing was thrilled with just how well Camden’s ninth sabre showpiece went. 

“It was a fantastic event, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive,” she said.

“The support of GLL, the London Borough of Camden, Continental Clothing, Fifth Column and Leon Paul fencing made all the difference. 

“Several people have described this event as the best on the European cadet sabre circuit, and we hope it will continue to run for many years.”