World’s finest fencers make a point at the Birchwood Hotel
Some of the world’s finest fencers showed off their skills when South Africa hosted the first ever Women’s Epee World Cup, at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre, between Friday, May 1 and Sunday, May 3.
The South African team, comprising of four fencers (Juliana Barret, Huang Shih-Ya, Tuku Aphiwe, and Giselle Vicatos), finished 20th in the team competition, after having lost 45-35 to Poland in the first round.
China beat Romania to walk away with the team trophy.
There were also individual competitions as more than 170 fencers from 32 countries arrived at the Birchwood Hotel to fight for a place at the Rio 2016 Olympics.
Top fencing nations, including Hungary, China, Romania, Korea, Germany, Ukraine, Italy, and the United States took part.
The South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) said a concerted drive by the Fencing Federation of South Africa (FFSA) has seen much development in the sport around the country, with new athletes being discovered in Soweto, Mamelodi and Langa.
This has seen fencing appealing to a whole new generation of youngsters and bringing an influx of talent.
It was also reported that the épée category (the other two are foil and sabre) has seen the most South African success in recent years, with Juliana Barrett and Sello Maduma coming to the fore.
Barrett won bronze at the Commonwealth Fencing Championships in Largs, Scotland, late last year as well as silver in the London International Open.
Gauteng’s own Gennady Tyshler, Director of Tyshler Fencing School in Randburg, said of the World Cup: “This kind of exposure is essential for our fencers if South Africa is to be ready to take its place on the world stage.
“Meanwhile, sending more of our coaches for additional training overseas to broaden their skills is another priority on the FFSA agenda.”
For the overall individual results visit: https://www.epeeworldcup.co.za/#!pools-results/c1559
