WORCESTER fencer Abigail Watkins heads to the Junior World Cup in Spain this weekend looking to boost her ranking.

The Royal Grammar School Worcester pupil will be in Burgos for the International Fencing Federation event after claiming gold and bronze last weekend.

Welsh international Watkins, 16, won the elite épée junior series grand final for under 17s girls and then managed a bronze medal the next day in the senior equivalent.

The Malvern Hills Sword Fencing ace, who beat second-placed club-mate Alex Powell in the junior event in Peterborough, joins up with the Great Britain under 20s squad in Spain.

Watkins has been combining her fencing and studies as she sits her GCSEs next year.

She is focusing on GB under 20s level to bid for a high junior ranking for the next selection season.

Watkins had senior invites to competitions all over the world but decided the travelling and cost would be too much.

Her father Richard said: "Abi has been competing in the World Cup Series at under 20s which given her age has proven huge in terms of experience gained. 

"In Laupheim, Germany, she made the cut from the poule and finished 125/191. In Luxembourg again she made the cut and finished 111/161.

"Both gave her a humble world ranking and contributed to her GB under 17 and under 20 rankings.

"Her next adventure is the Junior World Cup and she is hopeful of selection for (Grand Prix) Bratislava in February.

"The Italian girl who defeated Abi in Luxembourg 8/15 is ranked fourth in the world and finished in second place. The experience is invaluable."

Watkins is guided by award-winning coach John Rees and fencers at Malvern occupy five out of the top eight GB under 20s ranking places.

Danielle Lawson tops the table with Powell, Bethan Plant and Rebecca Wakefield also up there.