Chesterfield fencer named U-20 Champion

Wingerworth and Derbyshire Epee Academy fencer Matthew Cooper recently celebrate being named British U-20 Men’s Epee Champion at the national championships held at Nottingham University.

Matt has had a great season with a number of medals at junior competitions, twelfth place at the junior European Championships in Bulgaria and a bronze medal at the British U-23 Championships. Matt is currently ranked number one junior in Great Britain and number 83 in the world rankings.

At the David Ross Sports village at Nottingham University Matt displayed a cool head, mental strength and excellent technical and tactical ability; he won all six poule fights giving him a seeding of number 3 in the competition.

The direct elimination went according to plan with a tight fight against Luke Mason the British Cadet Champion, in the last eight fight. Matt was behind 14-13 going into the last three minute period, he kept a really cool head and won 15-14 before an easy victory in the semi-final.

The final was a repeat of last year against Matt Dickinson a fellow GB squad member. Last season it was Dickinson who won the final but this year Matt brilliantly fenced this difficult opponent to win the fight 15-14 and win the Championship.

Anthony Klenczar, a representative from the Wingerworth and Derbyshire Epee Academy, said:-

“Derbyshire fencing has gone from strength to strength in recent years and we are going through a really successful period, we now have three national champions this is down to the hard work of the athletes and coaches, nothing out of the ordinary, just a desire to train hard and win.

“We are always looking for new people to come and join the clubs, if you enjoy a challenge, want to keep fit and test your tactical skills in a one to one situation then fencing is the sport for you. Five and a half years after picking up a sword for the first time Matt Coopers next competition will be a Senior World Cup in Bahrain.”