A series of Para fencers reached or topped their first World Cup podiums in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Friday (21 February). 

France’s Serge Robin took his first ever World Cup win in the men’s sabre category A. 

It followed on from his maiden podium appearance in the sabre – in any weapon – at the end of 2024. 

Robin got past Japan’s Shintaro Kano 15-11, letting out a huge bellow of delight and lifting himself from his fencing chair with his arms aloft in celebration.  

“I am really happy for my family and my coaches,” Robin said.  

Kano celebrated Robin’s win with him, as well as being thrilled with his own achievement of a second medal in as many days after his gold in foil on Thursday (20 February). 

Argentina’s Carlos Freitas did not make it easy for Robin in the semi-final, pushing him to the limit, but having to settle for bronze. The Argentinian Americas Championships silver medallists can still be pleased with his first appearance in the World Cup top three.  

“I won the semi-final 15-13 but it was as if the first eight points [Freitas’ lead] did not happen [after the break],” Robin continued. “I played my game, fencing is a technical sport with a very precise end but it is also a mental game. I am happy to hear Le Marseillaise played at a World Cup.” 

There was happiness also for Thailand’s Boonsiri Sanitmuanwai in the other bronze medal position. His third place added to his silver in the foil 24 hours before. 

In the category B, Italy’s Gianmarco Paolucci improved on several previous World Cup performances to claim his first gold at this level. 

Paolucci faced a tough challenge from Brazil’s Luis Vanderson Chaves, a fencer who is still getting back to his best after losing all his equipment in flooding in 2024. Despite that, Chaves had landed in his first final and he was not about to settle for second place. 

Paolucci had to fight hard but fight hard he did, emerging the victor by three points. 

“My secret is to stay calm, listen to my coach and go touch by touch,” Paolucci said.  

The Italian also referenced his semi-final against up-and-coming teammate Andrea Jacquier, giving credit to his compatriot: “I am training with Jacquer and I am happy to see him doing so well.” 

Brazil enjoyed a double podium finish as Jovane Guissone joined Jacquier in taking bronze. 

This time last week Gemma Collis did not know whether she would be able to compete in Sao Paulo due to tearing a muscle behind her knee. But on Friday evening the British fencer was celebrating a career third World Cup gold from the women’s epee category A. 

Fencing established rival and eventual silver medallist Linor Kelman of Israel in the final, Collis also got past Zsuzsanna Krajnyak – one of her “heroes” – for a place there. 

“It was a really hard fight. I feel like Linor had really changed her game from before when we fenced and definitely had a new game plan so I had to adapt as I was going. So it was a really tough final and also a tough semi-final against Zsuzsanna Krajnyak who has been one of my heroes in the sport, has been since I started, so those fights always mean so much to me.”  

“It’s so nice to start the year off with a win,” Collis continued. 

Hungary’s Krajnyak and Brazil’s Rayssa Veras claimed bronze. 

Neutral Para Athlete Alesia Makrytskaya faced Neutral Para Athlete Kristina Fiaklistava in the final of the women’s epee catgeory B. 

Fiaklistava eased past her opponent 15-4, topping off a series of strong performances with gold. 

Canada’s regional title holder Trinity Lowthian stepped onto the World Cup podium for the first time with bronze. And Japan’s Anri Sakurai joined Lowthian in third, collecting her latest World Cup medal. 

The Sao Paulo 2025 World Cup concludes on Saturday (22 February) with the men’s epee and women’s foil.

Live results and coverage can be found at the World Para Fencing website.