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Zelda · 04-05-2004, 09:24 AM

Do you have any idea how big the Singapore International at the end of may is going to be? I'm flying up for Womens foil, and want to have some idea how big its going to be. Thanks.

Grey · 04-05-2004, 09:58 AM

Hi!! Well, I'm not too sure myself about the FSI 2004 in Singapore yet. The details are kind of muffled. Actually, I think you get a clearer picture those of us living in Singapore do, the FS is currently in a mess right now (I think) [FS = Fencing Singapore ]

Could you instead give us some details on what the FSI is "promoted" to be overseas?

ps : They invited the japanese over for FSI 2002 and hong kong fencers, I hope that helps. They should have also invited other countries but the winners came mainly from these 2 countries.

Zelda · 04-05-2004, 10:22 AM

I know that it is running from the 27th to the 30th of May. Its being held at the Multi Purpose Hall 2 at NUS. The offical hotel is the Copthorne Orchid. Entries have to be in for us is the 28th April. 800N plastron is required, but otherwise 800N gear isnt, though 350N is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Does that help? Its a worry when an international competitior knows more then the hosts!!!

Grey · 04-05-2004, 11:07 AM

I'm not the host =) just a local fencer. 800N plastron is a regulation much moaned by Singapore fencers, we all complained against it to no avail lol. Perhaps is there any chance of my meeting you? Simply to fence and exchange fencing techniques, views or theories?

Its more of a promotional "I want foreign talent" thing rather than "local talent" issue which has being going on in singapore for quite some time but nevertheless.... ah well.

angriff · 04-05-2004, 12:44 PM

Hi Zelda,

(Disclaimer: What I'm gonna tell you is solely based on memory, so if anyone has the facts please correct me..)

The first FSI was held back in 2002. There was going to be one last year but it had to be called off owing to SARS.. Participants in 2002 came from South Korea, Japan, Taiwan (or Chinese Taipei), Malaysia, Thailand and possibly the Philippines as well (I'm not too sure).

The ladies' foil individual event in 2002 had something like 30+ competitors, with South Korea taking the top two AND one of the joint third positions. Other than that I can't recall much..

Some big names in 2002 included South Korea's Hyun Hee, Japan's Yuki Ota and Thailand's Wiradech (sp?) Kothny.

I can try to find out more for you if you want.. just ask

Zelda · 04-05-2004, 09:08 PM

Great, so its going to be one heck of a hard comp, just what I want!!!

epeefencer74 · 04-05-2004, 10:03 PM

Grey I don't think you, who only have a few years experience in Singapore's fencing community should comment on the state of FS. We have come a long way in the last 15 years to reach this state where Felix and his team are able to organize and pull of a successful Fencing Singapore International in 2002. I competed in the men's epee individual in 2002. I was so impressed with the calibre of people taking part that I took more leave to watch the other events especially sabre and women's epee.

Zelda, for women's foil, from what I can remember from 2002 the Japanese sent in their 2nd and 3rd ranked national fencers. I'm more sure about the Korean women's epee team they sent their 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. The Thais sent a really strong Sabre team up, consisting of Kothny (2000 Olympics bronze medalist). That was a real sight to see. The speed, grace, the prodigious use of distance and multiple lunges. I timed him, he did 3 lunges in the time I would take to do a lunge relunge.

Zelda · 04-05-2004, 10:16 PM

Thanks everyone for your replies. It looks like I will really have to work hard if I want to get a decent result.

Grey · 04-06-2004, 04:30 AM

A little off topic but... with regards to epeefencer74 could you care to elaborate more about the current ranking of fencers in singapore, points, competition details etc? I've being trying to look for those information about fencing in Singapore on the website, at the clementi notice boards and asking around to no avail. I'm not saying that Felix and his team did a terrible job, I'm saying things are in a mess now as they are busy and competitions being delayed or vague at times, also what with the new foil implementations.

ps : I did mentioned 'I think' and I've never said anything about FSI being a failure of sorts.

Lee Yue Yang · 04-06-2004, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zelda

Great, so its going to be one heck of a hard comp, just what I want!!!

I went to watch the event a couple of years ago I think and it was really great.The fencing was really great and I did'nt want to leave until everything was over.I'm going to see it again this year.I can't really tell you anything much other than that because I really don't know much!Anyway,good luck to you and remeber to try some of our food here!Would be a shame to miss out on that!

Grey · 04-06-2004, 12:13 PM

I'm sorry epeefencer74 for having offended you and the FS with my blatant comments and treating the Fs with disregard when in fact they have put in a large amount of effort.

Zelda · 04-06-2004, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lee Yue Yang

Anyway,good luck to you and remeber to try some of our food here!Would be a shame to miss out on that!

Thank Lee, dont worry, I have my list of favourite restraunts which will probably get visited in the time I am there, along with all my old haunts in Orchard Road and Little India - I love Singapore, always have ever since I was little.

epeefencer74 · 04-06-2004, 09:57 PM

Grey, are you asking if any of our fencers have international rankings? Well I'm sure of at least one epeeist who has garnered an international ranking, and that's Nick Fang. I think he's ranked somewhere in the 80s. As for FS maintaing records of international rankings you will have to ask Felix about it. I'm not part of the FS Ex-Co.

If I'm correct, Felix is currently more concerned about promoting fencing locally, with the international scene as a long term goal. Felix is trying to make fencing in Singapore more audience friendly, but to do that we need money and sponsers, but for sponsers to come in the sport must have an audience for it to make commercial sense, so you see its a chicken and egg thing.

I think we who are fencers in Singapore should do all we can to help him promote fencing both locally and internationally, don't you agree? After all it will be us who will benefit.

You seem to be at a slight loss with regards to the competition schedule. All the clubs and those fencers on FS' mailing list recieve yearly updates from FS with regards to the planned competitions, as well as ammendments to the schedule when necessary. Maybe you should ask our seceretary to add you to the mailing list. I can mail you this year's competition schedule if you like. Local rankings can be obtained from the seceretary, as well as the system by which points are calculated.

There is a story behind why the 800N plastron is necessary. Anyway more protection is better than less. Accidents happen. BTW I hope you were a cup when fencing, the groin is still a legal target for foil.

Grey · 04-07-2004, 02:45 AM

No, its not the internation ranking... what I meant is the points for the national fencers or the fencers who have participated in competition. Yes, I have heard about the 800N plastron story. If you use a weapon with extended reach, a cup wouldn't be necessary = )

Thanks for clarifying things for me despite my rude remarks.

epeefencer74 · 04-07-2004, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grey

No, its not the internation ranking... what I meant is the points for the national fencers or the fencers who have participated in competition. Yes, I have heard about the 800N plastron story. If you use a weapon with extended reach, a cup wouldn't be necessary = )

Thanks for clarifying things for me despite my rude remarks.

Like I said before accidents happen. Better safe than sorry no? I have withnessed a really gross grion injury about 13 or 14 years back.