Sidmouth and East Devon Fencing Club member Grace Williams, 16, has won her first Open title.

Sidmouth and East Devon Fencing Club member Grace Williams, 16, has won her first Open title. Fencing in the women's foil event at the Oxfam Open, Grace won 9 of her 10 poule fights, giving her a seeding of fourth. After good victories in the first two rounds of direct elimination, Grace faced the number one seed (a Welsh fencer with top 20 GB ranking) in the semi- final. At the end of the first period Grace was 4-1 down and struggling for inspiration against her opponent's strong parries. In the second period she changed tactics, managing to level the score and then take the lead with brave and determined attacks. Another change of tactics in the third period to strong defence and perfectly timed ripostes finished the fight, enabling her to take the victory 14-10 on time. Fired up from the semi, and with adrenaline pumping, Grace took an early lead in the final against fellow GB Cadet squad mate Abi Difford. Delivering hit after hit with pin point accuracy and lightning speed, Grace won 15-5 and took her first Open title. The six weapon competition held at Cardiff University raised over £3,000 for the Oxfam charity.