Kruse is now ranked seventh in the world

Britain's Richard Kruse has moved up to seventh in the world rankings after taking silver at the men's foil Grand Prix event in St Petersburg.

The 26-year-old Londoner, who also won silver in Seoul two weeks ago, defeated world number one Andrea Baldini from Italy en route to the final.

But world number two Sheng Lei from China beat Kruse 15-10 to strike gold.

Kruse said: "Taking Baldini is something special. I believe I can win a major world competition this year."

It is the third week in a row that a British fencer has featured on an international podium.

And the success has also further improved what was already a record medal-winning haul for a single season for British Fencing, taking their international tally to seven medals.

Lead national foil coach, Ziemek Wojciechowski, stated: "This is the third consecutive podium result from the GB men's foil team which, shows our consistency and that medals at the 2012 Olympics are in sight."

British Fencing's chief executive Piers Martin added: "This result tops off a special few weeks for British fencing.

"The results coming from all weapons is promising not only for 2012 but also beyond."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version