Good results for SPFC juniors in Germany

Members of the St Paul Fencing Club (SPFC) junior squad obtained commendable results at the Ludwig Meider Open in Germany.

The young team and group leaders Juan Formosa and Ivan Vassallo participated in all three fencing 'weapons' - foil, epee and sabre.

The best result was recorded by Pierre Bianchi in foil. He advanced to the last eight after a 15-8 win over the top-ranked German fencer. Unfortunately, Bianchi had to retire from the competition during the quarter-finals due to a thigh injury.

The next best-placed Maltese fencer was Andre Zahra who finished 14th. Zahra, taking part in his first international epee event, placed 16th among 48 competitors.

Paul Borg and Kurt Mifsud finished in mid-table positions in foil while Chris Busuttil reached the second round by winning a first Direct Elimination.

The tournament was contested by fencers from Germany, Austria, Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Meanwhile, the SPFC is to organise a beginners' epee scheme for ladies. More information may be obtained by phoning on 2148-6641 or 7999-4622.