Ysaora Thibus’ powerful cry of frustration echoes in the appeal room. The French foil fencer, world champion a year and a half ago in Cairo, has just left the green track and the individual tournament of the Mazars Challenge in the round of 16. An infuriating match against the Italian Francesca Palumbo with a comeback from 8-10 to 10-10 in the last seconds, before losing on a penalty touch (11-10). End of course, and bad start to the Olympic year for the French patroness of the discipline.
Overall, the Tricolores suffered on Saturday at the Pierre-de-Coubertin stadium for the traditional Parisian stage of the Foil World Cup. Only three reached the round of 16, where Enzo Lefort, also crowned in Egypt a year and a half ago, was knocked out on the final touch by his compatriot Maxime Pauty (15-14), in turn eliminated in the quarterfinals. by the Italian Guillaume Bianchi.
Ysaora Thibus’ journey unfortunately ends in T16 of the Mazars Challenge International de Paris against the Italian Palumbo. Second yellow card (turnaround), synonymous with the end of the match for Ysa ???? pic.twitter.com/f6Q8vu3tqG
— French Fencing Federation (@ffescrime) January 13, 2024
But if Thibus lost his iron arm, Lefort was betrayed by his body. Infiltrated in the left knee ten days ago, the Frenchman suffered physically against his training partner at Insep. “I didn’t stop long enough,” slips the 32-year-old Frenchman. I thought it would hold. I tried to shoot with the means at hand. As long as we can stand…”
No team event for Enzo Lefort
Lefort, contender for the individual Olympic title this summer at the Paris Olympic Games, is not going to pull any further on his joint, which is weighed down by osteoarthritis. He will skip Sunday’s team event before undergoing medical examinations. The French collective, winner of the last World Cup in Japan in December, will therefore be their leader.
“That’s good, we’ll see who takes responsibility,” slips the Blues coach, Émeric Clos, annoyed by the poor performances of certain young French shooters. Everyone knows their role, but it’s good not to rely too much on Enzo. We have to deprive ourselves of one of the best in the world, but there are others behind. »
Les Bleues de Thibus will also try to take their revenge collectively. For the world vice-champions of Milan in August, it is also about continuing to get used to their new staff. Disturbed by the departure of their coach Lionel Plumenail after the Worlds, the French are experiencing a delicate start to the season. Which they will try to reverse on Sunday at home.
