Fencing: Aliya Itzkowitz won a silver medal at the GLL Camden International Cadet Sabre Tournament
Published: 3 February, 2011
by STEVE BARNETT
ALIYA Itzkowitz celebrated success at the weekend when she won a silver medal at the GLL Camden International Cadet Sabre Tournament.
The Camden Fencing Club member become the first British finalist in the prestigious event on Sunday when she faced Mathilda Taharo of France in the girls’ individual final.
Itzkowitz managed to open up a 9-5 lead, but Taharo showed tremendous skill and spirit to turn the contest around and secure a 15-11 points victory.
Sponsored by Camden Sports Academy, the tournament proved a huge success as Tufnell Park became the centre-point for international fencing. Almost 200 cadets from 17 countries took part in the showpiece, which was jointly held at Acland Burghley School, William Ellis School and the Talacre Community Sports Centre.
Among the special guests attending the two-day tournament was Camden councillor Tulip Siddiq, cabinet member for culture and leisure, who said: “It is a great privilege for Camden to host such a fantastic competition. The atmosphere was truly electric and I look forward to welcoming the contest back to our borough very soon. We have a great talent of adult and junior performers in our borough and their success will no doubt encourage more local people to take part in the sport.”
Joining Taharo on the podium was Luca Curatoli, who won gold for Italy in the boys’ individual event. Italy also won the girls’ team event, while France won the boys’ team competition.