Amita impresses at World Fencing C’ships with a Round of 64 berth

SINGAPORE – Up-and-coming young fencer Amita Berthier pulled off an impressive performance at the World Fencing Championships in Leipzig, Germany, on Wednesday (July 19), as the teenager notched six wins in as many matches in the women’s foil poule stage.

Up against her older and more experienced rivals, the 16-year-old did not waver on the piste, chalking up similar 5-3 victories against two Olympians, Japan’s Shiho Nishioka (world No 22) – a two-time Olympian who finished in the top 16 in Rio – and Do Thi Ahn (61) of Vietnam. She also posted wins over Poland’s Martyna Jelinska, Maria Boldor of Romania, Thailand’s Ploypailin Thongchampa and Kumari Rama Singh to emerge at the top of her group.

With Amita’s results placing her among the top 16 in the poule, the world No 137 fencer earned a bye into the Round of 64 – a first for a Singaporean fencer at the World Championships.

“Winning all the bouts in the poule was a surprise," said Amita after her bouts on Wednesday. "I had some apprehension as this is my debut at the senior World Championships.

“There were some very experienced fencers and even Olympians in my group, so it was good to be able to fence well, as I had a good build-up to this competition.

“I kept my head clear today and stayed focused. I also kept calm through all my bouts and that certainly helped me. The Round of 64 onwards won’t be easy but I will make sure to put my best foot forward and fence hard."

Amita will face Hong Kong's world No 72 Liu Yan Wai in the women’s foil round of 64 on Friday.