WILL Garrity of Chipping Campden fenced in Frascati Italy in the first of this year's junior A Grade competition series.

He confirmed his place as Britain's top under-20 fencer, by qualifying for the World Championships with a last 16 finish, beating Kraul (USA) in the first round, only to draw Italy's No three seed in the next round.

The Cotswold teenager gained full support of the crowd and other fencers making the atmosphere electric, with a superb display of fencing beating the Italian 15-14. His coach Mike Mathews said it was the "best fight of the day".

Garrity then drew yet another fencer for a place in the last eight only to lose with yet another close fight 15-13.

Both fencers train at Stratford Fencing Club based at Shottery Village Hall on Tuesday nights between 7 and 10pm.