Today was the final day of competition for individual men’s and women’s sabre at the World Championships in Kazan, Russia. Unfortunately all three sabreurs faced stiff competition in their contests and failed to make it out of the round of 64.

Richmond, BC’s Shaul Gordon ended his run in individual sabre with a 15-11 loss against an American NCAA rival and the twelfth ranked fencer in the world, Daryl Homer.

Over in women’s sabre, Edmonton, AB native Marissa Ponich fought hard against the fifth ranked Greek fencer Vassiliki Vougiouka but fell short with a 15-9 defeat. Ponich’s teammate Gabrielle Page (Blainville, QC) faced a similar fate as she lost 15-9 against the German Stefanie Kubissa.

“It was a frustrating defeat,” said Page, “I worked hard before the Championships and I did not use all I learned in my game.” Weapon leader Benjamin Manano was also disappointed with the day’s results. “It was a frustrating day for Canadian sabre because the results could have been better,” he said. Manano attributes the results to a lack of creativity and inability to finish points.

The final day of competition in individual foil will occur tomorrow where six Canadian fencers will look to make it out of the round of 64. Results from all the matches can be found at FencingWorldwide.com and news updates on Canadian fencers can be seen on the CFF website and Facebook page. 

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For further information, please contact:

Monika Leck, CFF Communications Intern, mdl246@cornell.edu