Last World Cup of the season ends with Davis Podium

Today, Londoner, James-Andrew Davis secured the bronze medal at the final men’s foil World Cup of the season in Russia.  He confirmed his place in the semi-final with a fine 15-9 victory over Italy’s Luca Simoncelli but could not get past hometown favourite Dmitri Rigin.  The Russian beat him 15-11 to progress to the gold medal match.

Courtesy of his top sixteen World ranking, Davis did not have to participate in the preliminary rounds and looked fresh coming into today’s action.  He stormed past Bakirov (RUS) 15-5 before comfortably beating teammate, Laurence Halsted 15-7 and then reigning Olympic silver medallist, Alaaeldin Abouelkassem (EGY) 15-11.

Speaking just after the event Davis said; “I was fencing with confidence and felt that my actions were well timed and set up. It’s always great to come back to the tournament where I won my first gold. The team were great as always. Thanks to UK Sport, the National Lottery, Andrey, Katie, Sophie, Dai and the M Team back in the USA. Job done now we move onto the team tomorrow.”

Rigin faced Russian compatriot Dmitry Zherebchenko in the final.  Zherebchenko claimed his first senior title with a commanding 15-6 victory.

There are two more men’s foil ranking events ahead of the Rio Olympics – the Shanghai Grand Prix and the European Championships – but Davis improvement on last year’s top thirty-two finish here is sure to improve his World ranking.

Speaking about today’s results, British Fencing’s Performance Director, Alex Newton said; “Today saw another great result from James against world class opposition and he showed great confidence in his fencing.  His performance, along that of his teammates, with three in the top 32, shows the continued progression of the squad.  Richard having to pull out with back pain was disappointing for him and the team tomorrow but we are confident he will be fit and ready to fence again in Shanghai in a few weeks time.”