BUDAPEST SILVER FOR MAXWELL

Caitlin Maxwell claims first Junior International Medal

Nineteen year old, Caitlin Maxwell from Truro Fencing Club won the silver medal at the Junior Women’s Sabre World Cup in Budapest at the weekend.

In a field of one hundred and fifty-two, Maxwell won four from six first round fights meaning that she was ranked 44th for the elimination stages.  She then eased past Peter (GER) 15-6, before beating World number 58, Corteyn (BEL) 15-13 followed by Koroleva (RUS) 15-14 and Conscience (FRA) 15-12 to make the round of 16.

There she faced another Russian and World number 20, Drozd.  In a seesaw match, the fencers drew at 14-14 before Maxwell launched a fast attack to guarantee her first Junior international medal.  Her semi-final opponent was World number 4, Ilieva (BUL).  Maxwell approached the fight with confidence against this accomplished, multiple international medal winner, taking the fight 15-11 to secure her place in the final against the favourite, Liza Pusztai (HUN).

Pusztai is a regular on the Senior circuit, where she is ranked 16th.  A good start from Maxwell saw her edge into the lead with some great parry ripostes but Pusztai found her distance and rhythm to pull out into a significant lead.  As she had done all day, Maxwell fought back strongly and got back to within one hit at 13-14 down, before Pusztai closed it out, taking the fight 15-13.

Speaking after the event, Maxwell said, “I’m very happy to have made the podium at such a great event – my first World Cup medal is a big moment for me.  I’m looking forward to the rest of the season and hope to bring some more medals home!”

Jon Salfield, who has been coaching Maxwell since she was nine years old, added, “This is a significant step forward for Caiti.  The most pleasing thing about the day is that she was under the cosh time after time, but found the mental strength to dig in and find a way to win.  Our season goals were a World Cup medal and a Championship final, so we’re on track!”

In the men’s event Ian Ren finished in sixth place as Barnaby Halliwell was knocked out in the round of 16, placing eleventh.  Elsewhere, Connor Head made the top 8 in the Junior Men’s Foil event in Udine, Italy, placing sixth.

Full results for Budapest are here.

Full results for Udine are here.