WAIS Individual Athlete Support Program (IASP) athlete Sutherlan Scudds has kicked off his Australian Fencing Federation campaign with a victory in the opening round of sabre competition in Melbourne over the weekend.
19-year old Scudds’ decision to base himself in Sydney ahead of the Australian competition season paid early dividends with his competition win featuring a defeat of three time Australian Champion Simon Leitch.
Facing Leitch in the final after cruising through the early rounds of the 32 athlete competition, Scudds outclassed his more experienced rival 15-8 to take home the title.
Earlier in the competition the Excalibur Fencing Club member dropped only four hits in the pool round whilst scoring 30 himself before recording 15-5 quarter final and 15-8 semi final wins.
The second round of fencing competition will be held in South Australia in June, with all eyes on the in form athletes looking to secure selection for the Commonwealth Fencing Championships which are due to be hosted by Melbourne in late September.
