Zawrotniak wins individuals’ title of Qatar Grand Prix 2008

DOHA, January 19, 2008 (Afzal Mehmood Shaikh): Radoslaw Zawrotniak of Poland overpowered Italian Paolo Milanoli in the individuals title clash of the fifth Qatar International Fencing Championship – Grand Prix 2008 on Saturday at the Aspire Academy.

The Polish 26 year-old Zawrotniak, beat world no. 2, Gabor Boczko of Hungary 15-7 in his second match in squad 16. He had a close encounter against Hungarian Andras Redli in the semifinals where he beat him 15-14.

The left-handed student from Poland held his nerves in the final to beat world no.45, Milanoli 15-11 to purse US$ 5,000 and a gold sword worth US $ 100,000 approximately.

“It is a great honour for me to win in the Grand Prix, I am preparing for the new season and a win here will certainly boost my moral, need to concentrate harder in the team event tomorrow (Sunday) and try to win to get the crucial points for the Qualification of the Beijing Olympic Games 2008, I have earned the three points form individual but it is more essential to earn further points for my team,” said Zawrotniak.

Speaking about Qatar Zawrotniak said, “Qatar is great, they have high-class facilities, superb venues and great atmosphere, I think I can live in Qatar and adjust quite easily,” smiled the jubilant world no. 25, Zawrotniak.

Hosts Qatar fencers were ousted in the preliminary round of the individual category, they will now compete in the team event which kicks off Sunday.

PROGRAMME:
Sunday – 20/1/2008 Team Events
09:00 - Direct elimination per team
18:00 - Finals per team
20:00 - Dinner offered by the Organising Committee

Monday – 21/1/2008 Departure of Delegations

REWARDS:
Total prize money of US$ 31,000 will be offered as follows:

INDIVIDUAL TEAM
1st Place: 5,000 US$
2nd Place: 3,000 US$
3rd Place: 2,000 US$
3rd Place: 2,000 US$
5th to 8th Place: 1,000 US$

TEAM
1st Place: 6,000 US$
2nd Place: 5,000 US$
3rd Place: 4,000 US$