Jenny McGeever & Corinna Lawrence hit form ahead of first Olympic Qualifier of 2012

With just a couple of weeks to go until the world’s elite women’s epeeists resume the task of trying to qualify for the London Olympic Games GB fencers Jenny McGeever and Corinna Lawrence made the final of the satellite event in Stockholm at the weekend.

Ranked 13^th after the poule stages, Lawrence battled through two Swedish fencers in Barvestad and 4^th seed, Bergdahl beating them both 15-14.  In the round of 8 she lost 15-7 to Kirpu (EST).  Meanwhile, McGeever, who hadn’t had the best start to the day was only ranked 40^th going into the direct elimination stages.  After a very tight 15-14 win over the number 8 seed, Beljajeva (EST), in the round of 32, McGeever comfortably beat Pettersson (SWE) 15-9 to make the top 8.  The fight was close to start with after a series of doubles but once McGeever had worked out her opponent she took the lead and never looked back.

A tough prospect followed in world ranked 54, Zuikova (EST).  The Estonian took an early lead but McGeever was not unnerved, changed to a more defensive tactic.  She guaranteed herself a medal by beating the highly talented Estonian 15-11.  Another Estonian blocked her way to the fight off for the gold medal in Kirpu who overcame the young Brit 15-10 at the semi-final stage.  Embrich (EST) went on to beat her compatriot in the final to take the Stockholm title.

Speaking shortly after appearing on the podium McGeever said; “I’m really pleased with this start to the season.  After a slow start in the poule I’m happy that I could bring it back and keep focussed for the direct elimination.  I hope that I can replicate the same at the final four Olympic qualifying competitions for both the individual and team events.”

The business of Olympic qualification for the women’s epeeist continues in Doha from 10^th February 2012.