U23 MEN’S TEAM SABRE REPORT
Poland’s Men’s Sabre team claimed the second team European title of the 2022 Championships in Tallinn today.
Jakub Broniszewski, Szymon Hryciuk, Olaf Stasiak and individual silver medalist Piotr Szczepanik formed the team seeded second for the event. A bye was followed by victories over Belgium 45-34 and Romania 45-39 leading to a place in the final.
It was a monumental battle in the other semi-final as Germany came from behind to edge their match against France 45-44. The French individual gold medallist almost pulled off a miracle, winning the last bout 11-5, just one away from a remarkable comeback. The French were unable to recover for the bronze medal play-off which Romania (Matei Sidu, Radu Nitu, Marco Sovar and Alexandru Zmau) led from the start, going on to win 45-38.
Germany started the gold medal match with Antonio Heathcock, Leon Schlaffer and Bas Wennemar with Eric Seefeld in reserve whilst Poland began with Broniszewski on the bench. The Poles pulled out a 15-7 at the start of the final only to be pegged back in the second third but still led 30-27. An exceptionally close finish saw the last three matches finish 5-4 in favour of Poland who claimed the European title with a 45-39 victory.
