On Guard! Challenge Australia FIE World Cup Tournament

Every year the world's best epeeists (and the Kiwi team :) gather Down Under for the annual Challenge Australia World Cup tournament. Being the furthest Grade A competition from Europe, this is the one place where the minnows of the sport have the opportunity to foot it with the big guns, with many of the top European nations turning up their noses at the prospect of sending their squads on a trophy hunting mission to this musty corner of the fencing world. Nonetheless, the field that did show up was formidable - from the giant members of the US Olympic team who wouldn't look out of place in an NCAA basketball team to a trio of classy Czech competitors and a highly rated Bulgarian. Oh, and how could I forget the legendary double Australian Under 20 Champion, on a mission to reignite the form that saw him dominate last millennium...


En guard... pre... allez! The action begins! And... er... ends, with this fine shot of up-and-coming Aussie Martin Camerilli pushing eventual men's champion Seth Kelsey to the limit, despite over a foot height disadvantage. For those that what the full story, check out the full tableau here. Rock ended up 23st after losing an excruciatingly close 14-15 contest to Feng of Singapore, whilst Jared placed 31st after being ousted by Soren Thomson (USA) , the 7th place-getter from the Athens Olympics.

The master coach surveys the field of battle with a seasoned eye, and quickly spots the pub across the way.

Sigh... why do I bother? Galley shugs off another disappointment as his charges bow out. Hey, it could be worse. You could be stuck in the freezing cold Hutt Valley High Gym...

Rock wonders what it will take to get that one crucial touch, after being eliminated for the third time in a row by a single hit. Unfortunately the coach, despite being imported to Australia for just such a purpose, appears devoid of answers.


Tired of seeing losers? Here's a real champion! World number one Sherraine Schalm-Mackay of Canada stands proudly as the maple leaf is hoisted aloft to the strains of Oh Canada. Yet another World Cup triumph for the Canadian legend.

Next up, AFF #2, coming to you live from Adelaide in a week's time. Tune in again soon.