Thursday 19th February Competition Day 3

Last day of individual competitions - women's foil and men's sabre.

We arrived as usual to a darkened stadium and no airconditioning - lights & a breeze were operational 10 mns later. No protests about rankings this morning, for a change - watch this space..

The women's foil had 36 starters in 6 pools of 6. Chris Bell generously came to the venue to warm up with Sally and support her and the sabreurs. In the pool, Sally won 1 bout, lost 4, giving her 29th place in the Direct Elimination tableau of 32. She then fenced Huan of Malaysia, losing 15/10. Final placing 33rd.

In the first round of the sabre, after the seemingly obligatory redrawing of pools following a protest, Will Cowper won 1 bout, lost 4. His victory was in his last bout, against Yu of Malaysia, who until then had a clear record. V5/2 to Will. Seeded at #26 after round 1.

Will then encountered Yu again in the DE of 32, and this time he was wide awake. final score 15/5 to Yu.

Aidan was in a pool of 7, and finished the round with no victories. His DE bout was against the #2, Sam Brightman of England. One memorable hit was when Aidan pushed Brightman back towards his back line - he went off the back of the piste in a hurry.

So, sadly, no kiwis were left on the pistes by the end of the morning.

We stayed to watch some of the DE bouts, then headed back to the hotel for some rest and recreation.

Teams tomorrow - Men's Foil & Women's Epee.

regards
Kate