Foil fencer Maximilien Van Haaster and his national squad teammates finished seventh in the team tournament on Saturday at the World Fencing Championships in Cairo, Egypt. The Quebecer was also one of the important cogs in this collective performance, which comes to close the world championships in a good way after a few misadventures.
Posted at 2:19 p.m.
Van Haaster, who had to give up the individual event earlier this week due to a positive test for COVID-19, was back on the track with the firm intention of helping his team achieve their goal. to finish among the top 8 in the general classification.
And the least we can say is that he did not miss his chance to shine by winning crucial confrontations throughout the day. It was he who brought victory to his team during the final disputed confrontation against the Egyptians.
On his third time on the track in this duel, the Montrealer made up for a deficit of six hits against Alaaeldin Abouelkassem, sixth in the world ranking of the International Fencing Federation (FIE).
His streak allowed Canada to triumph 45-43 and finish seventh in the final standings, which represents the best collective result of Van Haaster’s career at the worlds.
“I had a little more difficult moments at the start of the day, but I recovered very well against Egypt. I did a very good stint against Abouelkassem for the win and I’m very happy about it. We are very proud to have made the top 8 as a team. It’s the first time we’ve done it together and at the World Championships as a bonus, so it’s even more special, ”commented the one who paired his efforts with those of Blake Broszus, Bogdan Hamilton and Eli Schenkel for the opportunity.
Earlier in the day, the Canadians had won 45-35 against Israel, before seeing Van Haaster achieve a second victory after a hard-fought match against the Germans.
The maple leaf quartet, however, had to admit defeat 45-24 in the quarter-finals against the French team, eventual bronze medalist. The Canadians then went down 45-29 against Hong Kong, then finished on a high note by beating the crowd favourites.
“I am very happy to have been able to do the team tournament. I was very disappointed that I didn’t shoot individually, but at least I got a negative test just in time to shoot with my teammates. It’s our best performance together and we really feel that we have taken another step today,” concluded the 30-year-old athlete.
Gabriella Page proud of her teammates
Just days after suffering a partial torn anterior cruciate ligament in the individual event, Gabriella Page was back on the edge of the track to cheer on her compatriots Tamar Gordon, Marissa Ponich and Madison Thurgood, who eventually finished ninth. of the saber team competition.
“Of course there was some disappointment, but I was really just happy to be able to be with them and see them perform at their best. They did very well with four wins in five matches, including two excellent performances against Kazakhstan and Greece. They were excellent! “Said the Blainvilloise, who keeps her spirits up despite her injury.
Page will fly back to Canada on Sunday, where she can learn more about the next steps in her rehabilitation, which will span a minimum of seven months. One thing is certain, she assures us that she will be part of the Olympic qualification process, regardless of the path to take.
“I received care quickly here in Cairo, and I will be able to find out more when I return to the country. It’s my fourth injury in less than 18 months, so I know what to do to get back to my best. It’s a shame, but luckily I have time before the start of the qualifying process and I will do everything to be ready. »