World's best epeeists vie for Qatar Grand Prix 2008

DOHA, January 09, 2008 (Afzal Mehmood Shaikh): World's best epeeists have confirmed their participation in this month's Fifth Qatar International Fencing Tournament – Grand Prix 2008, which will take place at Aspire from January 18-21, 2008.

Amongst the 179 fencers taking part in the epee tournament for senior men, top 64 fencers from the FIE ranking will be seen in action competing for the crucial 3 points for the qualification of 2008 Beijing Olympic Games confirms Ali Belhaj – Head Coach of Qatar Fencing Team.

"Qatar Grand Prix is the most crucial for any fencer who is in thirst for a place in 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, the winner in the individual category will earn three points and the team 1 point for the qualification of Beijing Olympics," explained Belhaaj.

Speaking about the overwhelming response from the participation Belhaaj said, "This year's Grand Prix has received confirmation from 179 fencers from last year's 132, it is obvious that all participating countries will be sending in their best fencer for the qualification of the 2008 Olympic Games. This is also the first appearances for countries like Cuba, Venezuela, Korea, South Africa, Uzbekistan, and Slovenia who are keen for a positive start to the 2008 campaign."

The fencers will head to Kuwait from Qatar to participate in this year's second Grand Prix. There will be five Grand Prix prior to the Beijing Olympic Games. First in Qatar, followed by Kuwait, Sweden, Italy and Montreal.

Hosts Qatar's campaign is led by 12 young fencers, who are currently undergoing rigorous training at Al Sadd training hall under the guidance of Ali Belhaaj – Head Coach and Cristophe Clement – Coach.

Alongside Qatar, 40 other countries have confirmed their participation in this year's tournament they include, Australia (3), Austria (3), Bahrain (9), Belgium (1), Canada (3), Chile (1), China (10), Croatia (1), Cuba (2), Czech Republic (5), Egypt (6), Estonia (1), Finland (3), France (11), Germany (8), Hellenic-Greece (4), Hungary (7), Iran (9), Italia (12), Japan (6), Kazakhstan (10), Korea (7), Kuwait (6), Netherlands (3), Norway (6), Poland (6), Portuguese (2), hosts Qatar (13), Russia (12), Sierra Leone (10), Slovenia (1), Slovakia (1), South Africa (3), Spain (6), Sweden (3), Switzerland (8), Ukraine (9), USA (10), Uzbekistan (5), and Venezuela (6).

The last date for entry closes January 12, 2008 under the International Fencing Federation (FIE) rules and guidance.

A total of 232 delegates including, 179 fencers, 30 coach, 8 officials, and 15 chief delegates will be staying in Qatar for the three-day tournament.

The three-day tournament will see competitions in individual on January 18-19, while on January 20, epeeists will lock swords in for team title.