Grand Prix Doha: Meinhardt, Deriglazova emerge champions

Mohammad Amin

DOHA: 2016 Olympics bronze medalist Gerek Meinhardt was confidence personified after he claimed the men’s title in FIE Foil Grand Prix Doha at the Aspire Dome on Sunday.

Russia’s reigning Olympic champion Inna Deriglazova claimed the women’s title.

Meinhardt, world no. 3, overcame 20th-ranked Takkahiro Shikine (Japan) 15-11 in the final.

“It was a fantastic win. I thank everyone for making this possible. The victory here will boost my confidence for the Tokyo Games,” said the 30-year-old, who beat compatriot Race Imboden 15-8 in the semis.

Shikine narrowly edged out Frenchman Alexandre Ediri 15-14 in the other last four contest.

The three-day event, which was also Olympics qualifier competition, featured 296 fencers from 51 countries.

Deriglazova to the fore

Deriglazova, world no.1 and multiple World Cup-winner, beat China’s Qingyuan Chen 15-5 in the final.

The 31-year-old defeated Italy’s Beatrice Monaco 15-9 in the round of 16 before claiming a 15-11 victory against compatriot Adelina Zagidullina in the quarters.

Deriglazova withstood a late rally from Ysaora Thibus before winning 15-10 to set up a clash with Chen, who beat Russia’s Marta Martyanova in the semis.

The top-16 finishers in Doha were guaranteed automatic slots in Tokyo, while the rest will have to go through the continental qualifiers.