Tokyo 2020 Fencing Podcast

Bash and Dave recap the rollercoaster that was the Kazan World Cup and discover who has qualified for the Olympic GamesSupport the show (http://patreon.com/FencingTokyo)

Bash and Dave review the results at the final Sabre Olympic qualifier in Budapest. Who has qualified for the Games?Support the show (http://patreon.com/FencingTokyo)

As you all know, we have one competition remaining for the Olympic Qualification. These are now scheduled to be in:Sabre World Cups (men and women): Budapest (HUN), 10-14 MarchEpée World Cups (men and women): Kazan (RUS), 19-23 MarchFoil Grand Prix (men and women): Doha (QAT), 26-28 MarchBash and Dave talk through the implications of this news.Link to the FIE website:https://static.fie.org/.../124703-lettre%20info%201-21...Support the show (http://patreon.com/FencingTokyo)

Following an update from the FIE on the return to fencing, Bash and Dave discuss what this new world might look like.Support the show (http://patreon.com/FencingTokyo)

As the Covid-19 outbreak continues Bash interviews Alessandro from the Italian Fencing Federation and Greg Massialas from US Fencing for Dave to dissect. Greg's interview was recorded on Skype so has some sound issues. Enjoy and stay safe!Support the show (http://patreon.com/FencingTokyo)

In the wake of global lockdowns and cancellations due to the spread of Covid-19, Karim and Dave turn to their fencing friends. We speak with Frances Chow (PhD molecular biologist, founder of Sydney Sabre fencing club, and online trendsetter) and Benedict Chambers (immunologist researcher at the Karolinska Institutet, international fencer, and former President of the FIE Athletes Commission).Note: this was recorded before the announcement of the one-year postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.Support the show (http://patreon.com/FencingTokyo)

The FIE has made the tough decision to suspend international tournaments globally because of the Covid-19 Pandemic for 30 days. Dave and Bash talk through the details of the suspension including which events are postponed and talk about the possible outcomes for Olympic Qualification plus what you can do to protect yourself and others.Support the show (http://patreon.com/FencingTokyo)

Dave and Bash discuss the individual Epee Grand Prix event in Hungary with just one more qualifier to go in both the men's and women's disciplines. Want to find out who has qualified now and who needs to wait until the last event? This is this only place to find out!Support the show (http://patreon.com/FencingTokyo)Support the show (http://patreon.com/FencingTokyo)

Dave and Bash discuss the penultimate Women's Sabre Olympic qualifier in Greece. Teams and individuals went in unsure of qualification. How do things stand now? Have a listen to find out!Support the show (http://patreon.com/FencingTokyo)Support the show (http://patreon.com/FencingTokyo)

Dave and Bash discuss the penultimate Men's Sabre qualifier that played venue musical chairs before being hosted in Luxembourg. Find out who has qualified and which teams and fencers who will still be chasing qualification in Budapest 20-22 March! Lots still to play for!Support the show (http://patreon.com/FencingTokyo)Support the show (http://patreon.com/FencingTokyo)

Dave and Bash confirm the team qualifiers for Women's Foil. Who faced heartbreak and who basked in the joy of qualification? The only way to find out is by listening to this enthralling episode. And is there a tie-breaker question for Europe ahead of the last individual qualifier?!Support the show (http://patreon.com/FencingTokyo)

Dave and Bash discuss the final team qualifier for Men's Foil and what a weekend it was in Cairo. The Russian team and Spain's Carlos Llavador making the moves in terms of qualification. Listen to find out who's in and who's out. One more individual qualifier to go and the EU and AS race is still on!Support the show (http://patreon.com/FencingTokyo)

Two more events to go after this one but what a performance from France to shake things up. Dave and Bash discuss the Olympic qualification scenario for both teams and individual chances.Support the show (http://patreon.com/FencingTokyo)

Dave Baker and Karim Bashir preview the last team qualifiers in Men's and Women's Foil in Cairo and Kazan. Who will qualify by team for Tokyo 2020 team foil?Support the show (http://patreon.com/FencingTokyo)

In the Women's event, Leonie Ebert (GER) extended her lead with a top 16 finish. Maria Diaz (ESP) stays in the second European place without scoring any points - Julia Walczyk (POL) has cut the gap to 3 points with a top 32 result. Nicole Pustilnik (ISR) is still in contention but is getting harder.Chen Qingyuan (CHN) moved further away from Algiers silver medallist Shi Yue (CHN) with a top 32 finish. Otherwise no real changes ahead of the final world cup in Kazan and the final GP in Anaheim.For the Men, Marcus Mepstead (GBR) continues on his path to Tokyo, a top 16 result extended the gap away from the chasing Europeans. Benjamin Kleibrink (GER) made the 32, but only Alexander Choupenitch (CZE) could match it. Carlos Llavador (ESP) and Michał Siess (POL) went out in the 64.Otherwise all looks quite stable - unless the teams change. We'll see in Cairo next weekend!Support the show (http://patreon.com/FencingTokyo)

What a day in Barcelona – and sets the season up nicely now that we’ve finished 4 out of the 5 world cups.Let’s start with the easy stuff. Korea won and are qualified – they cannot be caught by Hong Kong. China are qualified and confirmed in the top 4 – alongside Russia and Poland. Italy and USA are also qualified – they can’t be caught. Congratulations to all 6 teams that we know are qualified.That leaves 2 spaces. USA had a good day – winning bronze, bringing Canada back into the qualification places. Canada did enough, making the top 16. That final top 4 space is available for two teams: Korea and Italy.Korea need to finish 1 or 2 to take the place, USA could maintain it by finishing 2 or 4 respectively. Another Asian team in the top 4 would open up the door for Hong Kong.Italy can overtake the USA by winning in Tashkent. If Italy finish 4/3/2, USA need to finish 6/4/1 to maintain their place. If Italy make the top 4, then Estonia are first in line to take the zonal place, leaving an extra (European) place for the taking.The Extra Place is now very interesting. Egypt did very well – beating Japan in the 32 and are now only one point away. If they win their first match in Tashkent I think they are qualified. But let’s talk about the scenario if it doesn’t happen and if it goes to a European team.Even though Ukraine are lower than France, they are better positioned because of their worst place (which was today vs Sweden!). If Ukraine finish first they will overtake Estonia, otherwise if they finish 2/3/4, Estonia need to finish 1/7/9. France need a gold or silver medal to catch Estonia, Estonia can maintain their place with 2nd or 4th respectively.After a couple of tough competitions, a good result by Vivian Kong 江旻憓 (HKG) showed why she’s the best Asian fencer outside of China. Nathalie Moellhausen (BRA) returned from a hand injury to finish inside the top 16.Ukraine dropping out of the team place means there is no room for Olena Kryvytska (UKR). She’s 5 points behind Coraline Vitalis (FRA) – plus the 4 points needed to improve her 5th best result.The biggest move was for the second Asian place. Sato Nozomi (JPN) moved further ahead of Yoshimura Miho (JPN), although the gap is only 4.25 points.A GP and a World Cup to go. Next stop Budapest!Support the show (http://patreon.com/FencingTokyo)

What a weekend of epee. Lets get the easy ones out of the way. France are qualified in pole position. Italy are qualified – they can’t be caught by the multiple European teams needed to beat them. Likewise USA are qualified as the best PanAm team. Interestingly Switzerland are not yet qualified – there are scenarios for the last World Cup in Buenos Aires which could knock them out if they do badly (e.g. 1. HUN, 2. KOR, 3. UKR).Korea winning in Vancouver has really shaken this table up. Please remember that the “4th” column (the worst world cup result) is the most important number here. Because we only count 4/5 results, teams need to improve on their worst result to change their score. Korea’s worst result was only a last 32 in Heidenheim, so they have the opportunity to score a huge amount of points compared with the teams around them.For example, Korea could move into the top 4 (replacing Ukraine) by finishing 16th! If Korea finish 8th, Ukraine would have to finish 4th to maintain their top 4 place. This has huge implications for both Hungary and Russia – and throws a lifeline to China, who had a tough day after losing to Korea by one hit in the last 16. Small margins…Speaking of Russia and Hungary, Hungary have a 3 point lead but also 3 points extra in their 4th result, so it’s very even. Remember that Hungary would win any tiebreak due to their gold medal in Heidenheim. If Korea make the top 4 then I don’t think either will qualify without a big result.Similarly, Japan is close to China, but China has a material advantage with their 4th result being a last 32 finish in Paris.And then we need to talk about Egypt. They’re doing everything they need to do – making last 16’s and sometimes winning more matches. But they’re not safe. They can be overtaken by Spain/Estonia/Germany (and maybe Poland) – realistically all 3 of those teams need good results in Buenos Aires to knock Egypt out of the top 16 and open up an Extra Place.In the individuals, a win by Bas Verwijlen (NED) moves him comfortably into the second European place. The possibility that neither Russia or Hungary (or Ukraine!) qualify in the teams is still a concern though.Ruslan Kurbanov (KAZ) benefits from Korea moving into the qualification places – Park Sangyoung (KOR) doesn’t need an individual place.Better days in Vancouver for the Japanese team, but Yamada Masaru (JPN) is a long way ahead.Next is Budapest, then it’s all finished in Buenos Aires.Support the show (http://patreon.com/FencingTokyo)

Another medal for Sergey Bida (RUS), this time gold, moves him to the top of the rankings. Not yet mathematically qualified - but very close.The most important result for the rankings was a superb 5th place result from Bas Verwijlen (NED). Bas moves ahead of Radoslaw Zawrotniak (POL) for the second European place.A bronze medal to Yamada Masuru (JPN) confirms he is the best of the Japanese fencers - I suspect they'll use host nation places though.The Doha winner in the Women's event, Ana Maria Popescu (ROU), is world number 1 and top of the rankings. She’s not mathematically qualified yet – but that’s not far away.A tough match for Vivian Kong (HKG) in the 64, losing to 2013 world champion and 2017 team world champion Julia Beljajeva (EST).Marie-Florence Candassamy (FRA) closed the gap slightly with Coraline Vitalis (FRA) – but still has a long way to go.The two Japanese frontrunners matched results with a last-64 finish. No change there with three competitions to go.Support the show (http://patreon.com/FencingTokyo)

Olga Kharlan (UKR) wins her second GP of the season to move well ahead at the top of the rankings. Theodora Gkountoura (GRE) has closed the gap to Bianca Pascu (ROU) to only 2 points after a top-32 finish. Pascu lost in the 64.Tamura Norika (JPN) extended her lead for the first Asian place with a top-32 finish. Emura Misaki (JPN) finished in the 64.With no more Grand Prix left in Sabre, there are limited opportunities to score material points. Gabriella Page (CAN) looks to have enough of a gap over Maria Belen Perez Maurice (ARG). Likewise Bhavani Devi (IND) is looking good for qualification - assuming the teams stay the sameIn the men's event, Bolade Apithy (FRA) wins his second GP of the season, and Sandro Bazadze (GEO) took bronze to move well ahead of all European rivalsA great day for Joseph Polossifakis (CAN), finishing in the top 32, but surely he is too far behind Shaul Gordon (CAN)?Xu Yingming (CHN) closed the gap on Wang Shi (CHN) to only 5 points for the first Asian place. The second Asian place continues to be very interesting. Yoshida Kento (JPN) has a 1.75 point lead over Vu Thanh An (VIE), 4.5 point lead over Kaito Streets (JPN), and a 5.5 point lead over Yousef Alshamlan (KUW). This could be very close.Support the show (http://patreon.com/FencingTokyo)

Another Men’s Foil World Cup, another win for the USA team. But most importantly, 4 out of 5 events are done for Men’s Foil and we have a good idea of what the qualification places look like. Remember, you only count your best 4 World Cup results, so to improve your score at the last event you need to beat your 4th best result – I have included a column to show what that is for each team.Russia needs 3rd to overtake Hong Kong, and take the final top 4 place. This would obviously be very positive for Germany, who would then take the European Zonal place. If Hong Kong finish 4th, Russia would need silver. A strong Korea result would also spoil German hopes.If Russia don’t win a medal, then Germany would need to win the final world cup to have a chance of qualification (244 – 203 + 20 = 64). If Russia finish 6th or better they are mathematically qualified. It also leaves a glimmer of hope for Great Britain, who would need a gold or silver medal, Russia to win a medal, and both Hong Kong and Korea to underperform.Japan also need to win the last world cup to overtake Korea (250 – 215 + 19 = 54) or Hong Kong. I suspect they’ll use their zonal places though. China could also overtake Korea with a win (250 – 209 + 23 = 64).Brazil need to finish 4th to overtake Canada. The Canadian team will be happy with another top 16 finish, which gives them some safety in the rankings.Marcus Mepstead (GBR) inched further ahead with a top 32 results, but his 5th result of 3 points means he'll now have to get deep into the tableau if he wants to improve.Alexander Choupinitch (CZE) closed the gap to Benjamin Kleibrink (GER) with a strong 8th place finish. He's now only 8 points behind (plus 3).Neither Carlos Llavador (ESP) or Michael Siess (POL) could make it to the second day.Otherwise it's all quite stable in Men's Foil - although we still have two Grand Prix left to go!Support the show (http://patreon.com/FencingTokyo)

4 out of 5 events done for Women’s Foil and we have a good idea of what the qualification places look like. Remember, you only count your best 4 World Cup results, so to improve your score at the last event you need to beat your 4th best result – I have included a column to show what that is for each team.France making the final moves them firmly inside the top for and now mathematically qualified for the Olympic Games, alongside Russia and Italy.USA are almost certain to stay in the top 4. Japan has the chance to catch them, but Japan would need to finish at least 2nd at the final world cup (282 – 253 + 23 = 52). If the USA finish 5th, Japan would need to win the final world cup to reach the top-4. USA can maintain their top-4 ranking with a silver medal if Japan wins gold.Canada cannot catch the USA, so need the USA to stay in the top 4.Korea cannot catch Japan, so Japan are qualified whatever happens.Hungary are definitely favourites to qualify. If they don’t improve on their current 4th result, Poland will need to finish 4th to catch them (199 – 191 + 25 = 33), and Germany would need to finish 3rd to catch them (199 – 184 + 23 = 38).The other major question is the African zonal place. Egypt didn’t make the 16 again, but the lack of opposition means they have a good chance of qualification. We’ll look at this closer to the time but the teams that could knock Egypt out are Brazil, Taiwan, Singapore, and/or Romania.Not that many changes in Women’s Foil Individual while Egypt hold on to their team place. Julia Walczyk (POL) and Nicole Pustilik (ISR) moved closer to the second European place with two top-16 finishes. Maria Teresa Diaz (ESP) could only make the top 96, but maintains a 6 point lead.2 Grand Prix and a world cup still to come in Women’s Foil – there is still a long way to go!Support the show (http://patreon.com/FencingTokyo)

A sensational win by Hungary rocks them into the European place, at the expense of Russia. Lots of work to do from the Russian team.France, Italy, Switzerland and Ukraine were the rest of the top 5. That means the top 4 stay the same.China was the best Asian team - helped by an incredible result in the last 32: Hong Kong beat Korea.Egypt did will - finishing 15th. Poland and Germany are the teams behind them so not impossible that they drop out of the last 16.Sergei Bida (RUS) and Radoslaw Zawrotniak (POL) have surged ahead with twin bronze medals at Heidenheim. With Hungary now in the team places, Bida replaces winner Gergely Siklosi (HUN). Chasing the Europeans are Bas Verwijlen (NED) who finished in the top 32, and Yuval Frielich (ISR) who finished in the 64.Yamada Masuru (JPN) extended his lead for the second Asian place with a top 16 finish. Minobe Kazuyasu (JPN) is 12.25 points away after finishing in the top 32.Not a great day for Houssam Elkord (MAR), finished 185th, but is comfortably the best African fencer – especially with Egypt qualified.Support the show (http://patreon.com/FencingTokyo)

This competition has certainly shaken up the table. A win for Italy moves them into the top-4, and critically they are a massive 54 points ahead of European rivals Estonia. Estonia are happy with Italy in the top-4, as they would take the European place.Canada had a day of mixed emotions. They beat Brazil in the 32, and also had a great win over Germany to finish 12th. But with the USA missing out on the medals, and dropping out of the 4, they miss out as it stands.Egypt lost again in the 32, and miss out on my top 16. This gives the bonus place to Ukraine, but bronze medallists France are now only 14 points away.Two team competitions left, next up is Barcelona in February.Ana Maria Popescu (ROU) showed us why she’s the highest ranked European outside the teams with a silver medal. Coraline Vitalis (FRA) finished in the 16, but lost some ground to Marie-Florence Candassamy (FRA) who won bronze. France winning team bronze keeps the hope alive that both may be able to go to Tokyo.Alexandra Ndolo (GER) fenced well, finishing in the top 32, but needs more than that if she’s going to challenge the French.Sato Nozomi (JPN) caught up to Yoshimura Miho (JPN) with an excellent top 32 result. They’re on the same points – separated by a 5th vs 7th result at zonals. I’m not sure if it could be much closer than that! Importantly, Sato Nozomi only has 4 results, so can freely add one more score.Not a fantastic weekend for Nathalie Moellhasen (BRA) or Vivian Kong (HKG), but they’re both comfortably top of their respective rankings and will have other chances to win medals. A good weekend for Sara Besbes (TUN), who finished in the top 16.Support the show (http://patreon.com/FencingTokyo)

Dave and Bash update you on the fencing Olympic Qualification position as we head into the festive period. Teams, Individuals, Coaching movements and the Russia doping ban discussed.Support the show (http://patreon.com/FencingTokyo)

France and the USA are our top two, and stay in the top 2 with Gold and Silver. Italy 3rd jumps Korea who finished 5th - knocked out by Russia in the 8.Canada lost again in the 32 to Spain, and now could be worried about their top 16 placeSupport the show (http://patreon.com/FencingTokyo)

Russia and Italy are pulling away with 1st and 2nd - again! A full strength France lost to Hungary in the 8 - quite a surprise - are they feeling the pressure? USA finishing 6th probably enough for the Canadians, but how does a great Egyptian result change things?Support the show (http://patreon.com/FencingTokyo)

France emerged as champions of Salt Lake after a disappointing show from the Russians. Hungary beat Ukraine for the 2nd time this year. What impact is that going to have?Support the show (http://patreon.com/FencingTokyo)

Women’s Sabre came out literally on motorbikes in Orléans – led by a win from Russia with the return of the defending individual and team Olympic Champion. We also had a bronze medal match that was a (provisional) qualification decider! A few upsets show that there is life in this qualification race to come. Interestingly in the individual race our World Championship bronze medallists keep up good form, at the expense of one country in particular, and it looks like we have an Olympic debut on the cards from an Indian fencer.Support the show (http://patreon.com/FencingTokyo)

Our second (or third!) visit to Cairo this year of many. Italy reversed the pain of the world championship final against Russia, and France and USA round out the top 4. Canada are glad the USA are strong, but are potentially contenders in their own right. A tough weekend for Asian frontrunners, Japan – but can Korea or China chase them down? Europe looks to be an almighty battle between Poland, Germany, and Hungary… and what about Egypt? We also have 6 individual places to discuss.Support the show (http://patreon.com/FencingTokyo)

France stay top in teams with a nail-biting win over Italy, maintaining a European top 4. Are Russia safe if it stay this way dispite disappointing so far? Can only one of China, Korea, and Japan qualify? And how does a big Egyptian result change this? Then a Moroccan makes the top 8 in individual! Karim and Dave dissect the results from Bern.Support the show (http://patreon.com/FencingTokyo)

Men's Sabre starts their season in Cairo, missing some big names. How will Hungary cope without Aron Szilagy, and Russia without Kamil Ibragimov? Kim Junghwan is back for the individual event and is on the Korean team - with some 'lucky' shoes. Will the absence of the Vietnam team hurt them in the race for the second Asian zonal place? Support the show (http://patreon.com/FencingTokyo)

Support the podcast: https://www.patreon.com/FencingTokyoBash and Dave look at the developments in Men's Foil after the Bonn World CupSupport the show (http://patreon.com/FencingTokyo)

Bash and Dave recap the results from the individual and team world cup in Tallinn, Estonia. Poland beat Russia in the team final to become World Number 1. Egypt can't make the top 16 again. Where does this leave the traditional fencing powerhouses of France and Germany, threatened by Ukraine and Estonia?The individual class of Ana-Maria Popescu continued again, but where do the fencers outside the team qualification rankings stand after the team reshuffle?Support the show (http://patreon.com/FencingTokyo)

Just when you thought it was safe to relax after the summer break, the Satellite competitions all come at once in September and October!Bash and Dave look at all the competitions, in all 6 weapons, and where that leaves us before the restart of the Olympic qualification season in November.Also find out why there are 19 epee satellites and only 9 sabre satellites?Support the show (http://patreon.com/FencingTokyo)

A new podcast with former international fencer, turned FIE commentator Karim Bashir with FIE referee and FIE Promotion Commission member David Baker.The guys look at the Sabre rankings after the World Championships in Budapest.Support the show (http://patreon.com/FencingTokyo)

A new podcast with former international fencer, turned FIE commentator Karim Bashir with FIE referee and FIE Promotion Commission member David Baker.In this episode the guys look at the Foil rankings after the World Championships in Budapest.Support the show (http://patreon.com/FencingTokyo)

A new podcast with former international fencer, turned FIE commentator Karim Bashir with FIE referee and FIE Promotion Commission member David Baker.In this episode the guys look at the Epee rankings after the World Championships in Budapest.Support the show (http://patreon.com/FencingTokyo)

Former international fencer, turned FIE commentator Karim Bashir introduces a new fencing podcast with FIE referee and FIE Promotion Commission member David Baker. In the first episode we'll look at how fencers will qualify for the Olympic Games in Tokyo 2020.Support the show (http://patreon.com/FencingTokyo)