Strong Performances in Naples and Istanbul Mark Exciting Circuits Weekend
European Cadet Circuit in Full Swing
Another thrilling weekend of fencing unfolded across Europe as Naples and Istanbul hosted stages of the European Cadet and U14 Circuits, welcoming young athletes from several countries and continents. The events showcased the determination, skill, and sportsmanship of the next generation of fencers — confirming the vibrant energy of this early season.
Intense Epee Battles in Naples
In Naples, the focus was on epee, with strong participation from across Europe.
In the men’s individual event, Stefan Popa (Romania) took gold after a close final with Valentino Monaco (Italy), while Xavier Melo (Portugal) and Andrea Bossalini (Italy) completed the podium.
Among the women, Italy’s Francesca Aina won the event, defeating Johanna Kurtinecz (Romania). Sofia Quirini and Elisabetta Rinaldi, both representing Italy, earned bronze.
Team competitions added to the excitement: in the men’s team epee, Italy 1 (Andrea Bossalini, Gabriele Giovita, Francesco La Forza, Valentino Monaco) topped the field ahead of Italy 3 (Sante Berzacola, Filippo Brignoli, Lorenzo Gallorini, Tommaso Giupponi), while Great Britain 1 (Jack Beckley, Oghenegaren Esiovwa-Thompson, Solu Ngoka, Alex Nicholas) took bronze.
In the women’s team epee, Italy 3 (Benedetta Bianchi, Clara De Donno, Giulia Ferioli, Anita Negroni) claimed gold, followed by Italy 2 (Agnese De Caprio, Elena Giampieri, Payam Kumari, Michela Limonta) in second place and Italy 1 (Francesca Aina, Carola Calogiuri, Elisabetta Rinaldi, Flavia Verri) in third.
Full results: https://engarde-service.com/tournament/federscherma/naples2025
International Participation in Istanbul
The Istanbul Cadet and U14 Sabre Circuit brought together young athletes from Europe and beyond, creating a dynamic and competitive atmosphere.
In the men’s sabre, Devyn Anthony (United States) took gold, followed by Semeon Ermakov (United States), while Vince Liu (Brazil) and Christian Avaltroni (Italy) shared bronze.
The women’s sabre event saw Delilah Huai (United States) take the top position, Xuanyi Zhang (United States) in second place, and Matilde Reale (Italy) together with Valentina Chiarelli (United States) completing the podium.
In the team competitions, United States 1 (Jeein Joo, Elijah Kim, Devyn Anthony, Semeon Ermakov) won the men’s sabre, ahead of United States 2 (Evan Kang, Ethan Kim, Luke Vaid, Collin Chon), while Türkiye (Arda Takka, Tuna Caliskan, Candeniz Berrak, Berken Bozkus) earned bronze.
The women’s team sabre title went to United States 3 (Amari Pantaleon-Mazola, Joyann Zhuoan Wei, Sahana Gautam, Zolie Malek), with United States 2 (Leah Hsu, Callie Wang, Sarah Zeng, Sofiia Vinogorova) in second place and United States 4 (Valentina Chiarelli, Sasha Dambal, Korina Leou, Merci Oca) in third.
Full results: https://www.fencingtimelive.com/tournaments/eventSchedule/4428274998EB4FC48110386D43A84C8D#today
More Fencing Ahead
The European fencing calendar remains as dynamic as ever.
Next weekend, attention turns to:
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Zestaponi (GEO) – U14 Circuit with epee and sabre
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Klagenfurt (AUT) – Cadet Circuit in epee
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Bratislava (SVK) – Eurofence League for foil
From Naples to Istanbul, and soon to Zestaponi, Klagenfurt, and Bratislava, the European fencing community continues to grow together — celebrating young talent, friendship, and fair play across the continent.
