Montréal, August 9, 2013 (Sportcom) – Sabreurs Sandra Sassine and Marissa Ponich along with foil fencer Anthony Prymack were in action in the final 64, Friday, at the Fencing World Championships being presented in Budapest, Hungary. It was a short outing for the Canadian contingent, however, as they would all fall in the first round.

Sandra Sassine, who currently sits 30th in the world standings, was taken out by the Panamanian Eileen Grench. The 69th ranked fencer won by a score of 15-9 against the Quebecoise who finished in 36th position.

“Obviously I’m disappointed to have lost, Sassine said. I fought hard, but unfortunately my tactics and decision-making were poor early on in the match, and the lead grew quickly. I’ll get my chance at redemption in the team competition.”

The Albertan Marissa Ponich, 142nd in the world, was beaten easily by the American Mariel Zagunis. The No.2 sabreur in the world dominated the Canadian by a score of 15-4. Ponich would finish with a 63rd place classification.

Eliminated Tuesday in the prelims, Quebecer Gabriella Page classed 74th, while the Ontarian Chantel Helwer placed 85th.

On the men’s side, Anthony Prymack, 142nd overall, was the sole representative in the foil fencing portion of the main draw.

Taking on the 18th ranked Frenchman Erwan Le Pechoux in first round, the Quebecois was beaten soundly, 15-5. Prymack finished the competition in a respectable, 45th place.

After bowing out earlier in the week, Quebecers Étienne Lalonde Turbide and Maximilien Van Haaster finished 81st and 89th, respectively. Albertan Rory Chisholm went out in 99th place.

The team competitions will begin Saturday in Budapest, and the men will be going to toe-to-toe in sabre. Making up the Canadian side will be the Quebecers Philippe Beaudry and Joseph Polossifakis along with British Columbian Shaul Gordon and Ontarian Mark Peros.

On the women’s side, the foil fencers will be in action. Defending the flag for Team Canada will be the Ontarians Kelleigh Ryan and Eleanor Harvey, Albertan Alanna Goldie, and the Saskatchewan-native Shannon Comerford.

Morel beaten in the round of 16

In the wheelchair fencing main table, Sylvie Morel lost her first round duel in sabre.

After finishing the round robin with a record of one win and four losses, the Quebecoise lost by a score of 15-3 against the Russian Albina Kuramshina in the round of 16. Morel concluded her tournament with a 10th place classification.

-30-