Sophie Williams Blog

The end of 2009

After a good result in France just before Christmas I’m pleased to report that I’m now third in the senior rankings.  I’d gone to St Jean de la Ruelle to compete in a senior French domestic competition.  The standard was very high and all the best French fencers were there. The first round didn’t go very well as I only won two fights in my poule.  I then drew Marion Stoltz (FRA), who is ranked 12th in the world at U20 level and who was ranked 15th in the competition. I started off badly, going 5-1 down and then I brought it back to be leading 8-7 at the break. In the second half I stepped up a level and eventually won 15-9. This meant that I had a slightly easier fight next round and won it comfortably 15-6. By this stage I was into the last 16 of the competition and I drew Charlotte Lembach (FRA).  The fight started off close, but in the end her attack was just too strong and I lost 15-10. This meant I ended up finishing 16th in the competition, and as a direct result of this I have moved from being 8th in the senior rankings to being 3rd. A great way to end 2009 and I hope 2010 will be just as good!