The 2016 FIE Senior World Cup for men’s foil concluded its events on 23 October at the Saladin Citadel in Cairo.
The Egyptian Ministry of Youth and Sports participated in financing the fencing tournament’s costs with EGP 250,000.
The ministry is supporting several international sports events to motivate tourism to Egypt. Aiding in this effort, the president of the Egyptian Fencing Federation Tamer Zein Al Badden commented that the tournament has brought in 270 tourists, both participators and spectators, for the events.
Choosing the citadel as a location to host the tournament was heralded as a wonderful decision by all.
The teams’ competition saw the French national fencing team come out on top in several heated matches to take the gold. The United States (US) and Italy won silver and bronze, respectively.
Jean-Paul Tony Helissey, an Olympic veteran on the French team, commented: “There are five fencing world cups, along with three grand prix, held annually. Winning this world cup is important because it helps to increase the team’s international ranking.”
When asked why France is so advanced in the sport, he answered: “France has a prestigious history in the sport. In addition, we have experienced coaches and players receive excellent training. We have access to all the necessary facilities and high-quality equipment needed to help us to do well.”
The next World Cup competition will be held next month in Tokyo, Japan.
As for the individual competition, the US’s Race Imboden won the gold medal, while Italian Alessio Foconi won silver. During the final match, Imboden bested Foconi 15-7.
