JUNIOR MEN’S EPEE REPORT
Hungary’s Zsombor Keszthelyi claimed the Junior Men’s Epee European Championship title today in Serbia, on the last day of the junior individual competition.
The biggest field of the Championships, 112, saw Keszthelyi drop one of his six first round matches. A bye through the incomplete round of 128 was followed by victories over Diego Erbetta (SUI) 15-12, Florin Mirica (ROU) 15-13, Alon Sarid (ISR) and Enrico Piatti (ITA) 15-13 meant a place in the semi-finals. The Hungarian then saw off another Italian, Matteo Galassi 15-9 for his place in the final.
The other half of the draw featured a semi-final contest between Jonatan Cohen (ISR) and Alec Brooke (GBR). The British Cadet continued his fine form of the day to make the final 15-10.
Keszthelyi and Brooke traded hits in the first period, going into the break tied 4-4. A high quality second period followed with both fencers punishing the smallest mistake from their opponent. However, two fantastic attacks into preparation meant the Hungarian went into the second break 12-10 up. At 14-12 up in the final period Keszthelyi showed his real class. He hit himself in a close quarters moment but immediately told the referee to annul the hit. It was only to be a temporary pause to his crowning though as he landed the title winning hit with a remise of his attack (15-13).
