The 15th National Championships, organised by the National Fencing Association – Malta (NFAM) was held last weekend, with an encouraging number of participants in each weapon category.

While the medals’ tableaux were dominated by the more experienced and established performers, this year’s event also produced some interesting and notable firsts.

In fact, Michelle Falzon and Adele Borg both clinched silver medals in Foil and Epee respectively and Martina Formosa, taking part for the first time in a senior ranking event, managed a bronze in Foil.

Susan Ronald, a long-time fencer and contributor to the sport locally, claimed both Epee and Foil titles.

The attractiveness of fencing to left-handers was nowhere more apparent than at the women’s events where all competitors were ‘southpaws’.

In the men’s category, defending Sabre champion Pierre Bianchi retained his title, also taking Foil gold at the expense of Andre Zahra who won the Epee final.

Paul V. Borg, defending champ-ion at Epee, this time settled for bronze and placed second in Foil.

A talented Nicola Milkovic narrowly missed a podium finish, losing 15-14 in the quarter-finals while Alexander Micallef’s dedicated Epee training resulted in a third place in his category.

In a statement, the NFAM showed their appreciation to Danika Formosa, Chris Busuttil, George Samaha and Adrian Mifsud for their contribution to another successful National Fencing Championships.