Men’s Epee and Women’s Sabre Teams compete on penultimate day of World Champs
The Australian Men’s Epee and Women’s Sabre Teams have both bowed out in their first matches at their respective events at the 2026 World Championships in Hong Kong.
Up early on Wednesday morning at the AsiaWorld-Expo, our Men’s Epee Team (34th seed) consisting of Lachlan Crook, Jacob Crook, Isaac Hayes and Darcy McClelland took on 31st seed Austria.
Heading into the match the group was confident of progressing through to the T32, but ultimately proved to be no match for the Austrians.
Through the first five periods the Austrians earned a nine point lead with the scores locked in at 15-24, and through periods six and seven we managed to stay in touch – Jacob Crook going 4-6 into McClelland finishing his period 4-5.
But the Austrians were simply too strong rolling through the final two period to run out 27-45 winners.
In the Women’s Sabre event we were up against fifth seeds Japan to kick of proceedings in this tournament in the Table of 32.
The team consisting of Isobel McRobert, Lorraine Tang and Kayla Tin were looking to get off to a good start and that’s exactly what happened.
Leading off in the match McRobert raced away to a 4-0 lead over Misaki Emura and managed to be 5-4 ahead for the period.
All three of our fencers battled hard throughout the match-up, with another highlight coming in the ninth and final period as Tang scored seven touches to five.
Unfortunately despite all their best efforts we were unable to defeat the Japanese – going down 26-45.
ALEKSANDRA SHELTON – SABRE NATIONAL HEAD COACH
“Last year we did not have a team at all, so to have a full team it is an improvement and to give them the opportunity to experience and to learn is significant.
“Our athletes are amazing. It was good day – they tried their best and of course we all recognise the limitations and gaps but it’s all about being able to compete.
“It was really important for us to be here as it gives us good feedback – what we need to work on, what to tweak, how to change, how to prepare and how to use this feedback for the next competition. That’s how you grow.”
To view the results from the event click here: https://shorturl.at/xoezQ