Aliya makes the L32 in Athens Senior World Cup

Congratulations to Camden's Aliya Itzkowitz who made the last 32 in the Athens senior World Cup event on Saturday. Aliya won 5 victories in the first round poule, losing only to Brigitta Pentek (HUN). At this stage of the competition GB team mates performances were as follows: Kate Daykin  2V 4D, Alex Davis 1V 5D, Sarah-Jane Hampson 1V4D, Letitia Steer 0V 5D and club mate Bridget Pleasant was 1V 5D.

Sadly only Sarah-Jane, Kate and Aliya progressed from the poule stages, but then Kate and Sarah-Jane fell at the next hurdle in the last 128 (Sarah-Jane lost 15-9 to Au (HKG) and Kate lost 15-8 to Savitskaya (KAZ)). As a result of her high seeding Aliya had a bye to the second days competition.

On the second day in the last 64 Aliya faced the strong and experienced  Kovaleva (RUS) and in a very close fight the British fencer closed out her opponent in an excellent 15-13 win. At this stage Aliya faced world number 2 Jiyeon Kim (KOR) whom she'd lost to in New York this season and unfortunately despite a spirited performance again the Korean proved too tough an opponent and she lost 15-9. Nethertheless an excellent result in only her second World Cup event during the last year; despite scoring on only two results Aliya now holds the highest GB womens' sabre world ranking.

Aliya makes the Last 32 in Athens Senior World Cup