Aberdeen fencers battle for success at Doric Open
10/07/09
Daring duels will be fought in Aberdeen later this month [July] as city fencers battle to retain their gold medal titles in the Beach Leisure Centre Doric Fencing Open.
The fast-paced sword play event will take place at the sports and leisure complex on Saturday, 18 and Sunday, 19 July.
The home fencers have a lot to live up to. Aberdeen City will fend off teams from throughout the country as they strive to retain the prestigious Best Club Trophy, while members Laura Kutt and Neil Tannock who took home gold medals in the Women and Men's Epee events last year, defend their titles. Aberdeen City and Aberdeen University fencers took home a further five medals in last year's contest, setting themselves up as a force to be reckoned with.
Staged over two days at the Beach Leisure Centre, the competition will see male and female contestants in the three disciplines of foil, epee and sabre fighting through 'poule' stages for places in the knock-out competitions each afternoon.
Beach Leisure Centre Doric Fencing Open chairman Euan Michie said "I'm delighted with the number of young, up and coming entrants we have this year, which is proof of fencing's growing popularity.
"With entries still coming in the organizers are confident that they will exceed last year's excellent turnout and build on previous successes.
"I'd encourage anyone with an interest in the sport to come along and see fencers in action. This is a great way to find out more about fencing and the local clubs, which are always keen to attract more talent of all ages and experience."
The Beach Leisure Centre Doric Fencing Open is recognised by the national governing body of the sport, British Fencing, as a point-scoring event for the UK National Rankings.
Olympic-standard metal fencing pistes are being brought to the Open. These provide electronic scoring for the fast-moving 'best-of-15-hits' bouts over which finals are fought.
The Beach Leisure Centre Doric Fencing Open has had multi-national participation in recent years with Dutch, German, Scottish, English, Welsh and Canadian, Nigerian and Australian fighters travelling to Aberdeen to spar.
Lead councillor for sport and culture Jennifer Stewart said: "I wish the Aberdeen teams all the best in their bid to retain their titles and trophy in this exciting competition.
"I welcome the away teams to Aberdeen, I wish them well and hope they enjoy their time in the Granite City."
Beach complex manager Neil Tennant said: "We are delighted to welcome the Beach Leisure Centre Doric Fencing Open back for the second year running. We are looking forward to supporting a very well locally organised international event.
"It was a very successful event last year and we are looking forward to the same number of competitors coming to the city this year."
The tournament runs from 10am until 5pm on both days. The finals will be take place between 3pm and 5pm on both days.
If you have any queries regarding this, or any other news story, please contact Aberdeen City Council on: 08456 080910.
