A ray of sunshine in the fog. After less convincing performances in recent times, between an unusual absence from the final phases of the French team championship or the departures of several epeeists accustomed to the world cup circuit, Fencing Rodez Aveyron tasted great happiness yesterday .
Aymerick Gally, its flagship shooter, won the title of individual French champion on the Antony slopes. This is the very first coronation for the Aveyron club in this competition, two years after Alexandre Bardenet came very close, adorning himself with silver.
The native of Nouméa covered himself in gold. He confirmed his current great form, two weeks after winning in Pont-à-Mousson, during a round of the national circuit. Entered as seed number 5, in the absence of Yannick Borel and Romain Cannone, the two best French people in the world ranking, Aymerick Gally was able to overcome all the obstacles that presented themselves to him.
While some big names were quickly exited, like Alexandre Bardenet, eliminated as soon as he entered the fray, the 27-year-old from Ruthenian reached the semi-finals by dominating rivals less well ranked than him. He then got the better of Lilian Nguefack after a tough opposition (15-13), to reach the final against Paul Allègre, the defending champion.
Despite a bad start, being quickly led 3-0, Aymerick Gally ended up gaining the upper hand to win 15-11. And thus win a first individual title among seniors.
