CADET MEN’S EPEE REPORT
Italy’s Jacopo Rizzi claimed the Men’s Epee European Championship title in Serbia, on the last day of the cadet individual competition.
The field of 110, saw Rizzi drop one of his six first round matches. A bye through the incomplete round of 128 was followed by victories over Matej Vachovec (CZE) 15-10, Andriy Gumeniuk (UKR) 15-6, teammate Matteo Galassio 15-9 and Nolan Wingerter (FRA) 15-9 meant a place in the semi-finals. The Italian then saw off Norwegian Alexander Malvik 15-11 for his place in the final.
The other half of the draw featured a semi-final contest between Alec Brooke (GBR) and Alon Sarid (ISR). The Israeli defeated the Junior European silver medallist 15-7 for his plavce in the gold medal match.
Rizzi pushed pommeler Sarid for the entire first period but went into the break 5-6 down. Rizzi continued to push in the second period and despite a more patient approach was 10-12 at the second break. Displaying even more patience Rizzi continued to press and levelled at 13-13. His determination to stick to his original game plan had taken a long time to pay off but finally the momentum was with the Italian. Reluctant to continue to concede ground as much, Sarid attempted to step in on Rizzi’s preparation but the Italian was sharp, taking the match and the European title 15-15.
