Fencing Pictures is proud to have Bill Ward on the FP Team! Bill is a television videographer/ editor specializing in high definition programming. His work has appeared on The Discovery Channel, HGTV, The Food Network, PBS and other networks. Bill and his two children, Rebecca and William, admit to some familiarity with a saber.

Today was a tough day for the US men’s foilists.  Tiomkin and Dupree lose tough bouts in the round of 64.  The junior member of the squad, Gerek Meinhardt, survives his opening round, but falls victim to the Italian juggernaut of what seems like a dozen world-class fencers (even though they only brought four) in the round of 32.  His opponent, Andrea Baldini, goes on to the silver medal.

The most fun fencer to watch today hails from Israel, not normally considered a foil Mecca.  Of course, not too many Saudi fencers actually from Mecca, either.  Tomer Or fights his way to the round of 16 in an impressive win over Ganeev of Russia with a do or die attack in priority.  Or comes up against eventual gold medalist Joppich of Germany next, and is leading 8-7 as the third period comes to an end.  Joppich squeaks out a last second attack, and time expires locked at 8-all.  Or draws priority,  runs the clock down to only about 20 seconds, then launches a lightning fast riposte that hits just off target.  Or nearly collapses in anguish, knowing that if he lands an inch higher, the match is over.  Joppich shakes off the near disaster and immediately attacks for the win.  He goes on to take the World Championship, and Or goes home to the hotel, likely reliving that missed opportunity about a hundred times during the bus ride back.

Tomorrow, Women’s epee.  The fighting Hurley sisters, Maya Lawrence and Lacey Burt get their chance to be the first Americans to battle into the medal round in St. Petersburg.