Bronze medal for Montagu

Fencing

Ben Montagu, of Salle Paul, won the bronze medal in the Cadet Men's Foil category of the World Junior and Cadet Championships in Tenerife yesterday to give Britain their best result for 21 years. The last Briton to win a medal in any category was Rob Bruniges in the 1976 World Youth Championships.

Sixteen-year-old Montagu, who is studying for A-levels in London, is trained by the former Polish international Ziemek Wojciechowski and started fencing four years ago. In last year's championships he came 36th. Next season he moves to the Junior category but will also compete on the senior circuit for experience.

Montagu won all his first-round fights, conceding eight hits. This promoted him to sixth seed and in his first elimination fight he easily defeated Japan's Takayuky Suda 15-5. smoothly and retaining concentration, he then eliminated France's Raphael Lecat 15-8 before defeating another Frenchman, Yann Le Cabellec 15-4.

In the semi-final, he met Italy's Andrea Bonometto, but in a fluctuating battle he lost 15-14. Bonometto went on to win the goal medal against another Italian, Stefano Barrea 15-10.