May 24, 2014 – Wheelchair fencer Pierre Mainville had his best-ever World Cup finish Saturday by winning a silver medal in Epee at the Lonato World Cup in Italy.

He lost a close final 15-12 against Kamil Rzasa from Poland. “I was a bit nervous given that it was my first final in World Cup. I am used to finishing with a bronze medal,” noted Mainville. “I'm still happy with my performance and most importantly, it is a new experience under my belt.”

The athlete, from Saint-Colomban, Quebec started off the day strong with five wins and one loss in pools, ranking fourth overall.  In his first elimination round, he defeated Tim Widmaier from Germany quite handily with a score of 15-4.

In the round of 8, Mainville found himself against Romain Gandrillon from France. “I was a little dismayed at first because he is left-handed and I’m not used to fencing against lefties,” said Mainville. “Despite my misgivings, I won 15-10 and it was good preparation for my next competitor.”

In the semi-finals, Mainville found himself facing another left-hander in Andrei Pranevich from Belarus.  The last time the two competed, Pranevich defeated him 15-2.  This time Mainville was able to come out on top with a score of 15-11. 

Mainville will be back in action Sunday in Sabre, his preferred weapon. “It’s a tableau filled with top Sabre athletes but I hope to have another successful day,” stated Mainville. 

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