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At Saturday's price ceremony.
Krisztian Kulscar
Krisztian Kulscar
Age: 38
3 Best Merits: World Champion Individually 2007 and Team 1998 and 2001
European Champion 1998 and 2001
2nd Olympic Games 1992 and 2004What do you think is the greatest with fencing?
To me the greatest in fencing is that there is no pre-determination like in most of the other sports. There is no ultimate receipt. You can be a great fencer if you are tall, short, slow, fast, technical, tactical, smart, patient or just a normal, ordinary person - the only important thing is that you have to use your personal advantage.
Could you tell one of your strongest/most beautiful/favourite fencing memories?
I do not want / can't pick only one story. After 25 years of fencing it would be unfair (towards my other memories).How come you decided to become an FIE observer?
I was elected into the FIE's Rules Commission (together with Pierre Thullberg) in 2008 and as an FIE official this is one of my duties.
What did you like most with Challenge Bernadotte?
I love Challenge Bernadotte for many reasons. I have several ties connecting me to this country; I have a wife who was born and lived in Stockholm, I have many friends living here and finally Bernadotte was my favourite World Cup as I won it twice ('01 and '02).
Foil or Sabre?
Individual or Team?
Offense or Defense?
Lunge or Fleche?
Buda or Pest? -
A great weekend has come to an end
It started out very slowly on Friday. I came to Eriksdalshallen at about 7.45 am and was a little disappointed that we never got any big thing going on in the poules. I would say that some fencers could've made their way to the DE if they just put in some geist into their performance. A man like Stefano Carozzo never got his things going and was out without even giving it a big try, as it seemed. Maybe he was ill or something, I never found out.
Happy to see the Swedish fencers in the poules, though. Guys like Vincent Alston and Robin Kase were plain awesome, even if Kase lost the last DE before Saturday as Pelletier won 15-14. I guess Robin will see this competition as a good experience as he continues his fencing career. Also very good to see this year's grand old man, C-H Wendt, take on the challenge at the age of 45 and make it to the round of 64. Maybe his was inspired from Jan Tivenius, his club mate, who did the same last year at about the same age.
The big success from a Swedish perspective is Carl Frisell, though. Sitting in the stands, talking to some of the other swedes, I asked Adam Larsson and Christian Gustavsson if they remember the last time a Swedish fencer reached the quarterfinals. "I was in the round of 16 in 1998", Adam said. Christian didn't have a clue, as he was busy trying to do some betting with a club mate about who would win which bout during the entire Saturday's competition. I still don't know when last time a Swede made it to the last eight, but it must be several years ago. One sure thing is that Christian and his club mate were really bad at betting. I would have beaten them, hands down.
I was disappointed with the French team. They didn't make it to the podium either individually or with the team. And they were never really close. In the team competition, they lost to Estonia already in the round of 16. Individually, Gauthier Grumier were the best of the French, as he reached the quarterfinals. Only two others reached the round of 32 (Jeannet ended up 9th and Gustin 12th) and Robeiri was fourth best Frenchman at 35th place. They can't be happy with their weekend at all.
Speaking (writing, in fact) about Estonia, and disappointments, Nikolai Novosjolov was perhaps Saturday's biggest disappointment. Of course, he was unlucky to have drawn Guojie Li (who was on fire!) in the first bout, but he wasn't at all the same Novosjolov as Adam Larsson compared to Kolobkov and the other big guys in fencing from recent years. He had been almost unbeatable in the last few weeks and was the one that almost everyone said would win it all. Instead, he was out immediately. Maybe that was the reason Estonia ended up fourth during Sunday, beating Kazakhstan, France, and completely crush a strong Ukrainian team in the quarterfinals. He wanted his big revenge. I guess there was a limit for Novosjolov though, as they were too tired from not being able to rotate when they finally lost to Poland, 45-31.
It is an interesting fact, that some of the top fencers and teams never really caught my attention as they just walked through it allwithout any real problems. I never really paid attention to either Jörg Fiedler or the Polish team, even if they were doing extraordinary well and they both ended up second. I guess they are just those anonymous types and that my eyes rather look for the fencers that are more spectacular, I don't know. Or maybe I was just too busy watching the very nearest piste. I am too lazy to watch bouts going on far away, that's for sure. Another sure thing is that neither Fiedler or Poland are especially lazy.
Finally, I'd like to thank everyone that has made this year's Challenge Bernadotte one of the best competitions we've ever had here in Sweden. Thanks to the organization, the crew, my colleagues on the website, my sponsors (I guess that would be my mum and dad), the fencers, and of course, all of you readers and everyone who has been giving me all feedback and ompliments. I really enjoyed being here writing for the blog and I'm so looking forward to do the same thing in 2011, when the next Challenge Bernadotte takes place. Thank you all. See you next time.
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Italy wins drama
Poland got off with a fantastic start, as Motyka crushed Garozzo, 5-0. But, later, Poland's Robert Andrzejuk injured his right knee and was out of the team bout early and saw his teammate Krysztof Mikulajczak take over in his place.
The Polish fencers were very solid and had a good lead far into the bout, but then Italy started to pick up some hits and when Paolo Pizzo came in for Garozzo at 30-33, the bout took a turn. Pizzo won the individual bout against Zawrotniak and got the game to a 39-39 tie before the final bout between Rota and Motyka.
The last bout was very stiff and no one wanted to make any mistake. It ended up in a 41-41 draw, and in the sudden death, Rota made sure that Italy won the whole competition.
We all congratulate Italy to their impressive win and I'd also like to congratulate Poland to their great competition, even if they lost in such heavy style. Finally, congratulations to Hungary, who won the bout for third place and yet again showed that they like to come here and fence in Stockholm.
I will try to sum up the complete weekend tomorrow. I hope you stay tuned for that one.
For now, thank you very much. See you all tomorrow.
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Photo: Christoffer Ejemyr
Things get very serious
The Hungarian fencers and leaders went angry as the referee denied Geza Imre a hit after he accidentally stepped on Garozzo's blade and hit in the second tempo thereafter. There were long discussions and they had to consult the head referee. After reviewing the actions, they came to the conclusion to annull the hit. The blog is proud to have picture proof of the incident.
UPDATE: Finally, Italy won the bout in sudden death, after Garozzo hit Boczko's foot in spectacular style. In the final, Italy will fight Poland.
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Hungarian team shows quality
Came to Eriksdalshallen very much too early this morning. The kickoff party in school was a great experience for everyone, as we got to meet some new friends and have a good time among the other physiotherapist students until the early hours. It had it's price, though, as I'm not very alert today, but I will do my best.
The reigning champs of the Team World Cup, Hungary, are more alert than I am. After a strong victory against Korea, they will take on Italy, who have been rotating a lot through the competition. All of the Italians have been fencing and they should be very fit even at this stage.
The Estonians have not been rotating at all, as they are only three team members. They had a tough bout against Ukraine, and they seemed very tired afterwards, and I wonder if they are able to put on another great performance. They will meet the strong Polish team in the semi-finals and it will be a very tough game for the Estonians.
Now, I will try to wake up a little bit more and give you some useful information later on.
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Photo: Charlotte Levin
Quaterfinals have begun
At 11.40 the quaterfinals will start. At the yeallow piste we'll see Swiss, who had a rather comfortable victory over Belarus, facing Poland who defeted Canada in the 16-tablau. Over at the green piste, we find Ukraine and Estonia. Estonia won against France with 45-40 and I guess that the results in this competition isn't really what the French hoped for. Ukraine sent China to the tableu of the last places. Italy and Russia are at the red piste, Russia who had a even match with Germany that finished 32-28 and Italy who to defete Venezuela after a thrilling last period. Finally in the quarterfinals, at the blue piste, Korea and Hungary has started as I'm writing. The Korean victory in yeasterday's individual competition has surely improved the team spirit.
I will return to the floor, taking the chance to watch the fencing close up, and hopefully get a few good photos.
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Photo: Charlotte Levin
A Swedish loss
I arrive an hour late, having thought that I was in time. I met my teammate on the way who told me what had passed. What he says sounds reasonable in terms of why they lost, and I hurry on to the hall, trying to avoid to miss too much. Now, sitting here I see the teams prepare for the next round. Our neighboring country Norway is up against Hungary, Germany will fence Russia, Venezuela is shaking hands with Italy and South Korea with Spain. In an hours time, eight new teams will take their places. From the competition's perspective, it's still a long way to go and I look forward to see what will happen. You can also follow the competition, either via the "regular" result reports or via the video streaming. The show is on.
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Photo: Charlotte Levin
And the winner is... Jung Seung Hwa
It's confetti over the final piste and the audience is gone. Jung Seung Hwa defeted Jörg Fiedler (ranked 2nd in the world) with 15-12. Best Swede was Carl Frisell with a 7th place. Geza Imre and Bogdan Nikishin had to see themselves defeted in the semifinals.
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Frisell's dream ends
He did what he could, but finally, every fairytale has to come to an end. After beating M. Ambroz, M. Kauter and Gustin, Carl Frisell ended up as number 8 in this year's Challenge Bernadotte. Geza Imre was, by far, the best fencer Frisell met this day and never gave the Swede any chance at all. With the score 15-7, Imre reached the semi-finals.
In the semis, he will meet Jung, Korea, who made an impressive effort, beating World's number one, Gauthier Grumier. 15-10, and Jung is now the best non-European fencer in this tournament.
In the other semifinal, we will see Jörg Fiedler take on the big Ukrainian, Bogdan Nikishin, who, in my opinion, surprisingly beat Paolo Pizzo, 15-11. Nikishin has been solid throughout the day and could give Fiedler a big challenge.
If I'm supposed to sum up my experience from the individuals today, I'd say that Carl Frisell, Geza Imre, Guojie Li and all the upsets in the morning are the things that will stay in my mind. Very entertaining fencing overall, and I do hope that this tournament will grow even more and get some more attention in the city of Stockholm. I guess that it will take more Swedish success, though. Carl Frisell did what he could today to start that Swedish success, and maybe he can help our team to reach some success tomorrow?
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It's getting intense
Our own SuperSwede, Carl Frisell, isn't afraid to do what he wants on the piste. In the round of 16, he beat French 22-year-old Ronan Gustin after some solid fencing. The crowd is gathering around the green piste every time he is fencing and I like it a lot. It's not every time we see a Swedish fencer in a GP quarterfinal, so I guess people are just doing what they can to make him inspired. In the quarterfinal, he will fence Geza Imre, one of my two favourites to the title. He showed what he is made of when he beat Khvorost after some minor problems.
Li Guojie, my other contender, showed even more when he came back to a 15-13 win against Jeannet, who was in front at 10-7. That bout is probably the best I've ever witnessed live in my entire life. He is now up for a battle against Jörg Fiedler of Germany, who is rock solid at the moment.
Gauthier Grumier will take on Seung Jung, who won a sudden victory against Igor Reyzlin, Ukraine. The last quarterfinal is between Pizzo and Nikishin.
My next update will be after the quarterfinals. That will also be my last one for today, as I'm leaving for our kickoff at school. I hope you don't mind. I will try to make Charlotte to give you a last update after the finals.
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Photo: Charlotte Levin
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Swedish success
Carl Frisell is fencing at his best and is the only Scandinavian left. Both Fredrik Backer and Claus Moerch lost their bouts without being very close to the victory. Frisell's victory against Kauter was impressive and maybe he was inspired by the crowd in the stands. I hope there will be even more people watching him in the next round.
The Asians are doing well. The Iranian giant, Ali Yaghoobian, crushed Boisvert-Simard in the DE32 and is now taking on Bogdan Nikishin, ranked 61 after Friday's poules. Seung Jung, Korea, beat the Olympic Champion Matteo Tagliariol after an exciting end. But, my favourite so far during Satusday's competition could be Li Guo, who almost made Iranian fencer Rezaei look ridiculous.
My former favourite to the victory, Gabor Boczko, lost to an impressive Geza Imre. If I must guess, I think either Imre or Li Guo will stand on top of the podium. They're both on fire today.
Now, time for next round.
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Into the 32's
Fredrik Backer won his bout, which leaves us with two Norwegians left (Claus Moerch is also through). Nice to see that we have three Scandinavian fencers left in the final 32.
There were some upsets before, as we told you, and there were more to come. World Champion Anton Avdeev, Russia, is going home early, as Gabor Boczko walked past him easily. Boczko showed that he likes this competition and will be a big threat to the others later today. The big favourite today, Nikolai Novosjolov, is out after losing clearly, 11-15, to Chinese Li Gou. Novosjolov seemed to be a little bit unprepared and maybe underestimated his opponent.
I told you yesterday that Adam Rodney could be a threat today, and I'm a little sad that he didn't take his chances while leading against Jerôme Jeannet, 14-12. The Frenchman turned it all around and showed some big routine as Rodney became a little yellow. At 14-14, Rodney got a double hit from a fleche. If he had put that one in at 14-12 instead, he would've won. No room for mistakes today.
The Olympic bronze medalist Abajo is also one of the big names to lose his first bout of the day. Nikishin, who was impressive yesterday, never gave the Spaniard a chance as he were in charge on the piste.
I might be wrong here, but I think this could be the first time we see two fencers from Iran in the last 32 in a GP in epee fencing. Both Yaghoobian and Rezaei are through to the next round after some good fencing.
Another favourite who can pack his bags is Ulrich Robeiri, as he lost to Khvorost, Ukraine, with the score 11-10. Very disappointing for Robeiri, who won the last GP in Legnano.
To sum it up, I can say that there are many big names gone already. Have a look at this:
Bas Verwijlen, Nikolai Novosjolov, Jean-Michel Lucenay, Jose Luis Abajo, Ruben Limardo, Silvio Fernandez, Anton Avdeev, Ulrich Robeiri, Sven Schmid.
Don't tell me fencing isn't great entertainment.
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Major upsets in the DE64
Anton Samuelsson kicked off the competition this morning as he fenced German top fencer Jörg Fiedler, who easily beat the young Swede 15-4. Samuelsson had his chances, but Fiedler got some fast hits in the second period and Samuelsson wasn't close, to be honest. C-H Wendt had absolutely no chance against Israelian ace Beskin, who just ran over Wendt, with the score 15-3.
Vincent Alston, though, was very close against Jefremenko, Latvia. It was a good bout, but at the score 14-14, Jefremenko got the final hit to seal a place in the next round. Carl Frisell is therefore the only one left of our Swedish hopes, after beating Matyas Ambroz, 15-7. Frisell was in front the whole bout through and seemed to be in good control.
Already, the European champion and last year's Stockholm GP champion, Sven Schmid got his dreams of winning back-to-back years crushed as Japan's Kazuyasu Minobe won a thriller, 15-14. Also, the number 3 ranked Ruben Limardo is out after he got beaten by Michael Kauter, Switzerland, who brought his best this morning and won 7-6. Kauter will now take on Frisell in the next round. Another Swiss upset was Michael's younger brother Fabian, who beat Jean-Michel Lucenay after some very exciting fencing.
Now, I'm going to watch our Norwegian friend Fredrik Backer, as he takes on Silvio Fernandez. I'll be back in a moment.
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Ready for the final 64
There were a lot of even bouts also in the last DE into the tableau of 64. Our Swedish young dude, Robin Kase, lost to Pelletier of Canada after sudden death, 14-15. It was an even game from the beginning, but the last hit from the Canadian was really well planned and took him into tomorrow's competition.
But, there are still hope for our Swedish team, as Anton Samuelsson, 19, Carl Frisell, 27 and C-H Wendt, 45 (!), passed through friday's DE and made the other young dude, Vincent Alston, company in the final 64.
Most impressive today, except for those who ended up in top 16, could be Adam Rodney. The American 24-year-old was exceptional through the preliminaries and beat both Zawrotniak, Poland, and Piasecki, Norway in impressive style. He really could be something tomorrow if he keeps his form.
Swedish bouts tomorrow:
Fiedler - Samuelsson
Jefremenko - Alston
Beskin - Wendt
Frisell - Ambroz
Other interesting bouts that I will try to keep my eyes on:
Martinelli - Videira
Jeannet - Rodney
Limardo - Kauter
Avdeev - Boczko
Katchiourine - Moerch
And this is just in the 64's. It will be a really great Saturday. Trust me.
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Photo: Charlotte Levin
From another perspective
Photoshooting the poules is always challenging. You don't where it'll be exciting, or if it'll be exciting at all. Often, I juste end up wandering around, sitting down every now and then to watch a match through the camera lens. Nevertheless, I like this watching close up. I have a good reason to stay at the floor, change a few words with some of the fencers or just absorb the atmosphere. It makes a contrast to the organization, where everyone have far too much to do and are screaming for a short brake. The fencers know what should happen and what they should do first. The focus is intense, and I smile to myself. As an extra treat, some of the Swedish fencers are making result. Life could be worse.
More photos at Facebook!
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The preliminaries
No real negative upsets in the poules really as pretty much all of the expected fencers went through. Now some heavy bouts in the preliminary. For example, Tobias Messmer, Switzerland, came back from trailing 1-6 to Feng Wang and won 15-13. Big victory for the Swiss as he goes through to the next round later today.
Anton Samuelsson is first Swedish fencer in the preliminaries to advance as he beat Won Jin Kim, Korea, 15-10. Very solid victory for Anton, who now has his sights on the final 64.
Two real dramas took place as Fredrik Backer came back against LeBlanc (14-13) and Pelletier finally beat Hungarian Szenyi (13-12). Really good fencing and now Challenge Bernadotte is really getting intense.
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Photo: C.Levin
Alston and Kase aren't showing any respect
After the second part of the poules we have some real upsets. Robin Kase, 17, and Vincent Alston, 20, both had five wins out of six bouts. The two Swedish youngsters are now close to Sunday's direct elimination. It is really great to see that their confidence they showed in the interviews before the competition wasn't only just talk. Obviously, they really are this good.
It has become more serious as the day reaches the afternoon hours. More adrenaline and, perhaps, better speed and intensity in the bouts. Maybe this means we have some really good fencing later!
No real disappointments from what I've seen so far. One of the international positive upsets could be Grigori Beskin, the number 309 ranked Israelian, who is one of the very few who won all bouts in the poule. I think Lucenay is the only won besides Beskin to win all bouts. So far, I should say.
Now, we are awaiting the final bouts from the last part of the 1st round before we get into the preliminary round of 128. I aimto share the most interesting facts in the next blog. See you soon.
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Photo: Charlotte Levin
Wireless Internet and no real turn on - yet
It took a while, but now I'm finally here updating the blog. After getting up (a little too) early, I got to Eriksdalshallen at about 7.45. The fencers were getting ready, Pierre Thullberg seemed to be in a hurry and everyone who isn't fencing at 8.00 seems to be very relaxed. Everything is just normal. I took a seat in the stands to sit down with my laptop and get going with my studies and with the blogging thing. Of course, there was no possibility of getting connected to the Internet. Unfortunately, this was also a worry for some of the organization. The wireless system was fine, but you couldn't pay the temporary connection as the distibutor's website wasn't working as it should be. After an hour of connection attempts, I finally called the support and they got it fixed within minutes. Sometimes it is easier than you think.
You could tell on the fencers body language that this is the poules, and no direct elimination. I hoped to see some real geist and spirit, but maybe they are a bit tired or something. And I don't blame them. I mean, who in this world (except three year old children) is really sharp at 8.00 in the morning? Maybe the referees, though. I haven't spotted any incidents at all, actually, which is great.
Our Swedish hopes had a bit of a slow start too, as Philip Karlsson and Andreas Jönsson ended up with 2 wins out of 6 and only Andreas has hopes of getting into the preliminary 128. Tor Forsse had a better round as he got 4 out of 6 and is through to the DE in the afternoon. The rest of the Swedes are either on the piste now or getting on at noon.
Now, I'm having something to eat, but I will come back later. I promise. See you then.
New photos at Facebook!
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Gauthier Grumier, Eric Boisse, Weston Kelsey and Bas Verwijlen
Gauthier Grumier, FRA
Age: 26
3 Best Merits: 1st World Ranking 2008/2009
1st World Team Championship 2009
1st CM Cheikh Fahed Al-Ahmed Al-Soubah (GP Kuwait)How will it be to enter Challenge Bernadotte ranked as world leader?
Ranked world leader is a lot of expectations from the audience, my teammates, my coaches and me. I have to prove to the others that my ranking is not based on luck. There will be some stress before the first match and then it'll be ok whatever happens.
What are your expectations?
My expectations are to qualify for the world championship in Paris, and Challenge Bernadotte is a a part of the French qualification. So I expect to do the best competition possible in order to qualify. In France, the best is to win.
What is your best memory form a competition?
I have a lot of memories from competitions, but I'd say last October when our team won the world championship in Antalya. It was good teamwork, and everybody, from the fencers to the physiotherapist, were doing a great job. For my own part, I was in the emergency room the day before due to food allergies. I spent the night there and I was not feeling very well, but my teammates were there for me, so I couldn't disappoint them on the D-day.
Who will win Challenge Bernadotte 2010?
I don't know, there are a lot of good fencers, but to pick one winner is too hard. In our weapon everybody can win if it's his day, and that's the beauty with practicing epee.
Foil or Sabre? Epee
Offense or Defense?
Lunge or Fleche?
Individual or Team? The taste is different.
Snails or Frog leg? I don't like frog legs, and last time I ate snails I was sick...
Eric Boisse, FRA
Age: 29
3 Best Merits: 1st World Ranking 06/07
1st Challenge Bernadotte GP 2003
2nd European Championship 2003Of all times you've participated in Challenge Bernadotte, what is your strongest memory?
The walking at snow covered streets between the hotel and the competition area because every year, I forget my gloves.
Who at the fencing tour do you enjoy most to fence against, and why?
Verwijlen is the most spectacular fencer, he always try to win with a touch on the ground. He shouts at you or at the referee to gain one touch... I think he is the most despicable fencer of the world. He has learnt his lessons from his master Kardolus very well... I know it's not very funny, but it's true and things must be said! (Authors note: Read Bas Verwijlen's answer below!)
What is your favorite aspect with fencing?
Fencing is like playing chess, and I like that. You try make some trap for your opponent, very funny.
Who will win Challenge Bernadotte 2010?
Three men: Silvio Fernandez, Ulrich Robeiri or Jerôme Jeannet.
Foil or Sabre?
Individual or Team?
Offense or Defense?
Lunge or Fleche?
Zinedine Zidane or Edit Piaf? ... and his headbutt!
Weston Kelsey, USA
Age: 28
3 Best Merits: 1st Pan American Championship 2008
2nd Epée International (GP Montreal) 2008
1st Epée International (WC Vancouver) 2005What is your favorite aspect of fencing?
I really enjoy the thrill of competition and being able to travel all over the world.
What is your craziest fencing memory?
Being on a boat in the pacific off the coast of el salvador with the US and Candanian epee teams. Thinking this is the best job in the world. We are catching mahi mahi left and right and all we have to do is fence.
At one of Stockholm's largest epee clubs, photos of you are posted at several of the lockers in the ladies changing room. What is your spontaneous reaction to this?
I am flattered and honored. I hope my picture inspires the ladies.
Who do you think will win Challenge Bernadotte GP 2010?
While I hope that I win. I think Novosolov and Grumier have been fencing really excellent recently.
Foil or Sabre?
Individual or Team?
Offense or Defense?
Lunge or Fleche?
Football or Soccer?Bas Verwijlen, NED
Age: 26
3 Best Merits: 3rd World Championship 2005
3rd Challenge Monal (Paris GP) 2007
5th World Ranking 04/05Reply to Mr. Boisse's comment
Eric Boisse was a great fencer and also spectacular to watch. His style is not very French and that makes him special. He learned the fencing skills from his father Phillipe Boisse, just like i learned it from my father. I respect Boisse as a fencer and i like his sense of humour! I heared Boisse had a very bad accident on a motorbike, i hope he will recover soon and will be back on our beloved fencingpiste. Unfortunatly Dutch fencers have to deal with the fact that Kardolus' misbehaviours in the past is reflected on us. Every country has it's strange fencers but it is a little short sighted to think that every fencer from the same country is the same, i try to give everything on the piste with fair play.
A photo of you is posted in the ladies' dressing room at one of the larger clubs in Stockholm. What is your reaction to this?
This is very nice to hear and a big compliment! Haha. I always like to come to Sweden for the beautiful views of the city, the hospitality and of course the beautiful ladies. I also think that Igor, the head coach of the Swedish Ladies Epee team has a dream job, because he can work everyday with these beautiful girls...(I hope my girlfriend doesn't read this ;)
Curious to see who it looks at the competition? At Facebook, you can find a few photos form the weapon control today!
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Ulf Wikström and Paul Sievert
Ulf Wikström, SWE
Age: 52
How come you became a referee?
Many years ago, I suddenly, during a Swednish Championship poule, noticed that the fencers were refereeing themselves. Began to think, is it really reasonable that you, in a national championship, don't have any real referees? We started working with the refereeing issue in the Southern Swedish Fencing Federation and brought a quite good activity educating referees. I got my first educations from Inge Lindholm and Göran Abrahamsson, and I then I noticed I didn't know as much as I thought I did... When I later got the opportunity to study to become a FIE referee, I never hesitated.
How does it feel to come here to Stockholm and be a referee at Challenge Bernadotte?
It will be fun! This is my second year as a referee at Challenge Bernadotte.
Was is the best thing about Challenge Bernadotte?
Without a doubt, meeting the other referees. You really do learn a lot.
Have you got any special memory from earlier competitions?
A good memory from last year is one of the referees who has a very special way to show his decicions. It looks quite funny and the referee gives a very compliant impression. When one of the fencers in a bout tried to take command, this referee showed, in a very resolute way, what was the deal. Under the surface there was know-how, a comprehension and an authority that was indisputable. I really learned a lot from this situation, and not just about judging.
What do you expect from this competition?
Good and exciting fencing. It sure is very high class fencers. I hope to learn more, as you are never fully trained in fencer, no matter if you're a fencer or a referee.
Either or:
Foil or Sabre - Of course, as it's my favourite.
Offense or defense - I prefer offensive fencing, as long as it's not brutal.
Team or Individuals - Team fencing must be the most fun in the world of sport!
Ikea or H&M
Lounge Suit or Fencing suit - Only a few days ago, I read in the local paper that the fencing suit was voted the most nice-looking sports suit of them all. But also, it is very nice to see judges being so well dressed these days.
Paul Sievert, SWE
Age: closing in on 55, but from which direction?
How come you got into fencing?
My brother did some fencing way back in the mid-60's, and when we later moved to a town without any fencing club he just had to start one and I followed. Step one instructor's education and thereafter desperate struggling to keep at least a week of advantage towards my fencers.
What is your task at Challenge Bernadotte?
I'm a member of Directoire Technique.
Have you got any favourite fencing memory?
It is hard to choose one special memory. I was in Gothenburg, watching the World Championship finals in 1973 when Sweden won both gold and silver medals through Rolf Edling and Hans Jacobson, which was a fantastic experience. Pavel Kolobkovs incredible comebacks during the finals of Challenge Bernadotte 2008 is also something that I like to remember. As a parent, I have a lot of memories from my children's ravages on the pistes. But the question is if not what is going over all this would be the unity and friendship I've seen between the young fencers across country parts, countries and clubs.
What do you expect from the competition?
I expect, because of the starterlist, a top class competition. I hope I won't be troubled by too much of a tunnelvision in the DT, so that I get the opportunity to watch some fencing too.
Who do you think will win?
I don't follow the competitions much enough to give you a well reinforced guess, but I've got a favourite fencer. Since I saw Alfredo Rota (world no 1 at that time) grap my son Thomas (15 years at that time) and ask if he would like to be his training opponent, so that Rota could warm up properly, I've always had a soft spot for him. So, except for our Swedish fencers, I cross my fingers a little bit for Alfredo Rota.
Either or:Pistol grip or French handle - Gardere grip of course!
Team or Individuals?
Offense or Defense?
Lounge suit or Tracksuit?Competition or Practice - the interaction between fencing master and his fencer is wonderful to watch.
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Sven Schmid and Ulrich Robeiri
Sven Schmid, GER
Age: 32
Best Merits: Olympic bronze medalist 2004 (Team event)
European champion 2009 (individual)
Winner of Stockholm GP 2009What was it like to win last year?
It was really great, it is one of the best tournaments because it is a Grand Prix and that means that all good fencers are coming to win there.
How does it feel to return to Stockholm as the defending champion?
It is a good feeling, but it will be very hard to repeat this big result.
What is your favourite fencing memory?
To win the bronze medal at the Olympics 2004 with the team.
Have you got any idol in fencing, any role model?
Not really
Who will win Stockholm GP this year?
Me of course :))
Foil or Sabre
Offense or Defense
Lunge or fleche?
Bratwurst or beer
Ulrich Robeiri
Age: 27
3 Best Merits: 1st Olympic Games, Teams competition 2008
3rd World Championship 2003
2nd European Championship 2009How will if be to enter Challenge Bernadotte as the winner of the most recent Grand Prix?
Nothing special, all competitions are different. I'll try to attend Challenge Bernadotte as usual.
On the "fencing tour", who is most fun to meet, from a fencing perspective?
The most fun I've met is Paolo Milanoli, but he hasn't been fencing for 2 years.
What is your best memory from a competition?
My bronze medal from my first World Championship in Cuba 2003.
Who will win Challenge Bernadotte 2010?
I don't know, many fencers can win: Novosjolov, Jerôme, Grumier,Tagliariol...
Foil or Sabre? epee
Individual or Team competition?
Lunge or Fleche?
Offfense or Defence?
Snails or Frog leg? (no answer) -
Benjamin Steffen and Paolo Pizzo
Benjamin Steffen, SUI
Age: 27
3 Best Merits: 1st European Championship Team 2004
2nd European Championship Team 2009
1st Individual and Team Universiade 2009In men's epee, there are always many fencers with great chances to win the competition. Has there been anyone that you've found more inspiring and impressive than others?
I can't say that they are really inspiring! I get inspired when I realize that I have to improve to beat someone, that's my inspiration. I want perform my best, and that inspires me enough.
What do you like most about fencing?
That it's so complicated. There are so many factors: velocity, technique, footwork, feeling, tactics etc. It combines so many things in one sport, which makes it really interesting and fascinating.
Last year, you were a great favorite among the female volunteers (at least the young), and you were the topic of discussion in the dressing room for weeks. Any spontaneous reaction to this and what do you think you're chances are to defend your position this year?
First of all it's nice to know that fencers can be so interesting to others, and it's even better to know I have some fans! Come again to support me this year! :-) Though, I don't want to know the subject of discussion in the dressing room. And, my chances to defend my position? Just come and watch! If you like it, then that's already great.
Who do you think will win Challenge Bernadotte 2010?
Joker ;-)
Foil or Sabre? Both, if you exchange them for a larger weapon and change the target range to the whole body!
Individual or Team? Since you can be a team in the individual competition as well.
Offense or Defense?
Lunge or Fleche? It's such a great feeling to lie in the air (... and hit your opponent! If you get hit, it's like crashing down)
Chocolate or Watches? It's a daily necessity!
Paolo Pizzo
Age: 26
3 Best Merits: 2nd Universiade 2009
2nd Universiade Team 2009
8th World Ranking 08/09What is your favorite aspect of fencing?
That during a fencing competition, you're completely alone against your opponent and I think it's the best way to grow up quickly as a sportsman and especially as a man.
What is your best tip to young fencers (say ages 12-15)?
I recommend all young fencers to never surrender if they're fighting for their dream, because everything is possible if you only believe in yourself. Never surrender.
What is your craziest fencing memory, all time?
The incredible comeback of Pavel Kolobkov against Benjamin Steffen in Stockholm 2008 in the semi final.
(Hey! Why not watch it right now?)
Who will win Challenge Bernadotte 2010?
This year is strange, a lot of fencers can win the competition! Maybe Stefano Carozzo, but I hope to improve my second place from last year!
Foil or Sabre?
Individual or Team?
Offense or Defense?
Lunge or Fleche?
Fashion or Food?
What do you readers think? Is the semi final between Pavel Kolobkov and Benjamin Steffen the most exciting men's epee match recorded through out history? Watch the video above and add your comment below!
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Gabor Boczko and Robin Kase
Gabor Boczko, HUN
Age: 32
3 Best Merits: 1st European Team Championship 2009
3rd European Championship 2009
1st World Ranking 05/06Tell us about you favorite competition memory, all time, all types!
All victories are my favorites. But to pick one; Montreal 2007 when my fencing bag didn't arrive and I fenced with my Slovakian friend's equipment and I won the GP!
What is the first thing you pack when you're going away for a competition?
My mask.
Who will win Challenge Bernadotte 2010?
Who knows? It's epee!
Foil or Sabre?
Individual or Team?
Offense or Defense?
Lunge or Fleche?
Fröccs! or Paprica Powder?
Robin Kase, SWE
Age: 17
3 Best Merits: 2nd World Cadet Championship 2009
1st Swedish Junior Championship 2009
2nd Vigor Challenge Cadet circuit 2009You're Sweden's youngest fencer this year, and you're also a candidate for the team competition. How does it affect your participation that you're only a first year junior?
Nothing, really. In every competition I enter, my goal is to get a medal. It might be more or less realistic, but it doesn't change anything. I'm very glad to be a candidate for the team for sure, and I will also make sure to have fun along the way.
You have an older brother who has been very good and participated both individually and for the team in last year's competition. What role has he had for your fencing?
First off, he's the reason why I started which only by that is quite a big deal. Then, for many years he was my ideal, what I was aiming for. I thought it was great to fence the Swedish Team Championship with him in 2008.
Have you written any autographs yet?
Haha, no. And I don't think I will either.
Who will win Challenge Bernadotte 2010?
I don't know, but ask me again on Saturday.
Foil or Sabre?
Individual or Team?
Offense or Defense?
Lunge or Fleche?
Sweden or Japan?
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Vincent Alston and Christian Gustavsson
Vincent Alston, SWE
Age: 20
Best Merits: Swedish Team Champion 2009
2nd District Championships
6th Ljungbymaran 2009How will it feel to compete at Challenge Bernadotte?
It feels good. I've done it once before, but that time I didn't preform very well. I'm more confident today, because I've participated in another Grand Prix and a World Cup. Probably (I believe) that is what I've been missing. Without confidence, you won't dare to create or do anything at competitions that you usually to in practice. I usually fence a lot better than at competitions.
What do you expect from the weekend?
I expect to at least reach the final 64. Of course I have higher goals, but final 64 is the minimum. I will try to make a maximum performance in the poules and reach the final 64 as "easy" as possible, preferably directly after the poules. As I've said, as long as I dare to do what I usually do when I'm relaxed, I think I'm able to succeed.
Do you have any role model in fencing?
I don't have any particular role model in fencing. I do watch all fencers a lot and try to find things that I can learn from and develop further in my own fencing. Especially I watch fencers that left-handed like me, Gauthier Grumier for example is a very good fencer. Maybe he is a role model, because he is ranked number 1 in the world despite being very young. Also, everything he does seems to easy. When he is under pressure, he seems to find a good balance with being not too passive and not too offensive.
Who do you think will win Challenge Bernadotte 2010?
Very hard to tell, but I'll have to say Grumier, because whenever I see him fence, the matches he wins aren't very even. Matches in the final 64 at GPs and World Cups often finish with scores as 15-14 or 15-13, but when Grumier is fencing it usually ends up with a greater margin.
Lunge or Fleche
Offense or Defense (I like counterattacks, so it had to be both...)
Team or Individual
Foil or Sabre
Ikea or H&M
Christian Gustavsson, SWE
Age: 23
Best Merits: 5th Vigor Challenge JWC 2006
3rd Nordic Championships 2008
Swedish Team Champion 2007 &2009How will it feel to compete at Challenge Bernadotte once again?
Good, as I get to sleep in my own bed.
Do you have any special memory from your fencing career?
When we, as the second team, beat our club's first team at Swedish championships for teams in the semi final in 2009.
Who in the world of fencing do you like to watch the most?
Jerôme Jeannet, he's a very elegant fencer.
You are one out of no less than five Swedish participants at Challenge Bernadotte from your club (FFF). How does it feel to be so many from the same club?
It's as usual I believe. I think that it's the best club in Sweden, both in men's and womens epee. You just have to be greatful!
Who do you think will win Challenge Bernadotte 2010?
Either Novosjolov (EST) or Robeiri (FRA).
Lunge or Fleche
Offense or Defense
Team or Individual
Foil or Sabre
Norwegian or Swedish girls
Interviews done by Joakim Lindqvist
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Count Oscar Bernadotte af Wisborg and Pierre Thullberg
Count Oscar Bernadotte af Wisborg, SWE
Age: 89
What is the story behind the name Challenge Bernadotte?
Where the name "Bernadotte" is from is rather obvious. When the tournament was still national it was called Bernadottepokalen (Bernadotte trophy) after me as head of the board in the organizing club. The "Challenge"-part I got from the French tournament Challenge Monal.
What is best with the competition?
Well, it's one of Europe's best WC-competition. Also, there aren't many competitions that can compare in terms of quality in either organization or participants.
What is your favorite memory from Challenge Bernadotte?
Oh, it has been so many of them by now and they are all so much fun. But one memory that stands out is when his Majesty King Carl XVI Gustav of Sweden was the prize distributor for the first year of the challenge trophy.
Is there anything you would like to change with the competition?
No, I think the steering commitee knows that better. But I've always wanted them to fence the final at the royal castle. I've asked for it several times, but his Majesty says no. Although, this might change when Crownprincess Victoria of Sweden takes over.
Individual or Team?Offense or Defense?
Foil or Sabre?
ABBA or Ingvar Kamprad?
Pierre Thullberg, SWE
Age: 43
3 Best Merits: 3rd Swedish Championship for schools
4th Junior Swedish Championship
13-16 JWC BudapestWhat's the goal with arranging Challenge Bernadotte?
To strenghen Swedish fencing both in organization and competition.
How many are engaged in the organization?
2008 it was about 175-200 volunteers. Last year we had approximately 170 fencers competing. The trend with the number of fencers is that it's quite low the year after the Olympic Games and then increases annually to reach a peak the year of the next Olympic Games. Added to this is a small annual increase to do more fencing federations.
What is the best with the competition weekend?
To meet people you really like and to work with them.
What is the greatest challenge with the arrangement?
The financal part. It's never easy for sport competitions to solve the finance. It's even harder for fencing competitions in Sweden than for larger sports to find external sponsors. Also, it has never been the strong side of the organization.
Your best Challenge Bernadotte memory?
There are many senseless last minute ideas that could fit into this question. Although, I think it must be 1999, when the competition was a try out for wireless epee fencing (considering that this today still is a point of the agenda it was a very early attempt). Apart from this there was a man called Erik Runeland who with his friends had managed to hire three large computer screens from Silicon Graphics. For each screen we had to pay an additional insurance. The screens were meant to show results and phtos, just as they do today, but nothing worked. By this time, it's more than 10 years now, there was no such thing as live results. Due to this, everything was handled manually. Erik constantly called Engarde to report results so they could publish them. There were loads of people, many of them rather special, involved in this and working practically the entire night and day, trying to make something out of nothing. It was like invading Afghanistan.
Who will win Challenge Bernadotte GP 2010?
(a long paus for consideration) Jörg Fiedler, Germany. Although, a winner that would make me really happy is Geza Imre, HUN.
Foil or Sabre
Individual or Team
Prepare or Take a breather
Homely cooking or Experimental cooking
Training or Competing
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Writers at the blog
Charlotte Levin
Age: 19
Occupation: Stand in teacher for junior high schoolI started fencing when I was about 12 years old, in 2002. It all started with a visit in the fencing hall, where I met Béla Rerrich for the first time. I’ve been fencing ever since, and over the years it has become a more of lifestyle. Today I run a blog with fencing photos except for my own training and competing.
Fencing and photographing, what more is there about me? Well, those around me know that I'm constantly busy, ambitious, liked my many, très chique and that I have nice hair; Swedish blonde. When it comes to academics my main focus will be engineering, but I hold a certain interest for foreign languages. So, if you feel like helping me practice my French or English or learning me some of your mother tongue, don't hesitate!
This is the fourth time I’m working as a volunteer at Challenge Bernadotte. Earlier I’ve been a referee assistant and photographer. This year this blog will be my project. I’ll take photos, have short interviews, listen for gossip and add some personal reflection. If you feel like telling me something or just having a chat, don’t hesitate!
Either or:
Foil or Sabre
Offense or Defence
Team or Individual
Lunge or Fleche
Danish or NorwegiansJoakim Lindqvist
Age: 20
Occupation: Physiotherapist student.I've been into fencing since my dad took me to the local fencing club in Halmstad in about 1996. He was also my coach for several years until I moved here and started training at FFF Stockholm. I have kind of quit my own plans for an international career, but I 'm still very interested in fencing, as I watch a lot of fencing, I do some refereeing and now I'm also one of the authors of the Challenge Bernadotte website.
Besides being a fencing fanatic, I'm also a huge fan of Depeche Mode and Arsenal FC. I have my own blog at the Arsenal FC Swedish Supporters Club's website since January and my private blog since February 2008.
You could describe me as a guy with lots of humor, which I guess you'll notice during the weekend. I love being seriously non-serious. For example, I watch cartoons such as SpoongeBob Squarepants and Phineas and Ferb. I also love watching Monty Python and our Swedish equivalent, Galenskaparna & Aftershave.
During Challenge Bernadotte, I will make interviews with fencers, volunteers and other people attending this event and also publish my own thoughts on the competition. I leave the photographing stuff to Charlotte, since my writing skills are way better than my photographing skills, whatever that might tell you.
Either or:
Offense – Defense
Foil – Sabre
Lunge – Flèche
Stockholm – Halmstad
Danish - Norwegians -
Foto: Charlotte Levin
Volunteers
Challenge Bernadotte would be nothing without all its volunteers. Be a part of the organization yourself; view the competition from the inside, make new friends and feel the atmosphere of togetherness, joy and some pressure of time. Either check your club for lists or send an e-mail to ana[at]fencing.se. Feel free to ask for posters to put up in your schools!
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Welcome to Challenge Bernadotte's blog 2010
Here you will find short interviews with fencers, referees and volunteers, personal reflections from the competition, photos and hopefully some good stories. Feel free to contact us at blog.chb@gmail.com with your own ideas, expectations and comments!
Best,
Charlotte Levin and Joakim Lindqvist
Kategorier
About Challenge Bernadotte
Challenge Bernadotte attracts the world's best men's épée fencers to Stockholm once a year. The 2010 edition of the competition took place on 5-7 March.
Live video
Live results
Programme
Friday 5 March
08:00 Preliminary Rounds
14:30–18:30 Preliminary Direct Elimination Table
Saturday 6 March
09:00 Direct Elimination, Table of 64
12:00 Direct Elimination, Table of 32
14:50 Quarterfinals
16:30 Semifinals and final
Sunday 7 March
08:00 FIE Team World Cup
11:30 Quarterfinals
13:00 Semifinals
14:20 Bronze match
15:30 Final