Le Pechoux wins Shanghai Foil GP

Miles Chamley-Watson now ranked 2nd in the world.

Erwan le Pechoux (FRA) dominated Luca Simoncelli (ITA) 15-5 in the final match of the Shanghai men’s foil grand prix.  Though Italy was denied the gold medal at the event, they took up the remaining podium spots as Alessio Foconi (ITA) and Andrea Cassara (ITA) tied for 3rd.

World #4 Valerio Aspromonte (ITA) was shocked by David Willette (USA) in a 15-14 match in the round of 64.  Willette went on to defeat Maor Hatoel (ISR) in the round of 32.  In the 16 Willette drew Simoncelli and was up at one point 10-8.  He was unable to hold onto the lead and Simoncelli won the bout 15-12.

All of the remaining US fencers lost their bouts in the round of 64.  Though he only took 33rd at this event, Miles Chamley-Watson inched up in the world rankings to #2.  The performances by top-10 fencers Andrea Cassara (ITA), Yuki Ota (JPN) and Peter Joppich (GER) were worse than their results from last year’s Shanghai event, so all lost ground in the world rankings.  Aspromonte fell to 11th.

Final Results (Top-8 + US Finishes): Shanghai Men’s Foil World Cup