U23 MEN’S FOIL REPORT
Rafael Savin, a quarterfinalist at the recent senior Seoul Grand Prix, claimed another European title for France on day two of the U23 European Championships. By winning the Men’s Foil crown in Tallin today, France now boasts three of the four continental titles contested so far.
A field of 57 saw Savin progress through the first round with six wins from six fights earning himself top seed for the knockout stages. He earned a bye through the round of 64 before beating teammate Bibard 15-14, Renner (GER) 15-7 and Szemes (HUN) 15-14 to make the semi-finals. Alessio Di Tommaso (ITA) stood in the way of his place in the final but Savin won the match comfortably 15-6.
The semi-final in the other half of the draw was a contest between Nils Fabinger (GER) and Filippo Macchi (ITA) and the German progressed to the final with a 15-9 victory.
Fabinger got the better start in the final going 2-0 up but it only inspired Savin to increase the intensity of his footwork. The fight came to life with the German holding a 9-8 lead going into the first break. When they returned to the piste Savin carefully pressed to level up and then move into the lead. He didn’t look back and went on to claim the European title 15-11.
