Fencing?s Diedro Finishes 20th at Absolute Fencing Gear New York Grand Prix
12/15/2014 11:42:00 AM | Fencing
BROOKLYN, N.Y. – Loweye Diedro '12CC put on an impressive showing this weekend at the Absolute Fencing Gear New York Grand Prix as the Columbia fencing alumni finished 20th.
The first sabre grand prix of the 2014-15 season was the largest combined Grand Prix in the sport's history as it featured the top 16 men and women in the world and over 300 athletes compete. Over the course of two days the fencers competed on strips at the New York Marriott at Brooklyn Bridge with the semifinals and finals bouts taking place at the historic Grand Prospect Hall.
Diedro soared past her competitors in pool play as she went an unbeaten 6-0 with a plus-18 indicator to advance directly into the table of 64. The Freeport, New York, native bested Italy's Martina Crisco, 15-8, to reach the round of 32 where she met Sofya Velikay of Russia. The 11th-seeded sword that eventually took home silver, snapped Diedro's winning ways, 15-6, and sent her home with 20th.
Jeff Spear '10CC also picked up points at the event. After advancing out of pool play, Spear was leading James Honeybone, 10-1, in the table of 128 before the fencer from Great Britain withdrew. He picked up a 15-13 victory over the 18th-seed from Italy, Julien Medard, to advance to the second day of action. As the 64th seed on Sunday, Spear's run was halted by the tournament's top seed, Bongil Gu of Korea, 15-10, to place 64th.
