Temple Fencing's Kamali Thompson Boasts Impressive Finish At Junior World Cup In Germany

DORMAGEN, Germany - Temple women's fencing junior Kamali Thompson competed at a Junior World Cup in Dormagen, Germany this past weekend, placing an impressive 16th out of 125 sabre fencers.  The tournament, won by Anna Marton of Hungary, brought together athletes from 20 different countries, including powerhouse teams such as Russia, Hungary, Italy, France, and Germany.  Eighteen of the world top-25 were present at the event.

"This is a phenomenal result for Kamali at a very strong international event," commented assistant coach Bradley Baker.  "Her hard work is really paying off in terms of competitive success right now.  We're really looking for her to continue this trend in individual tournaments as we start the collegiate season next semester."

Thompson's ride to the sweet sixteen included upset wins over Ophelie Virlogeux of France in the round of 64 and Violetta Kwidzinski of Germany in the round of 32, before eventually falling to Maria Ridel of Russia.  This result pushes Thompson to a seventh-place national ranking among American juniors, as well as a world junior ranking of 73rd.  It is only the second Junior World Cup in which the biology major from Teaneck, NJ has competed.

This competition serves as an opportunity to add qualifying points toward representing the U.S. in the Junior World Championship in Mer Morte, Jordan from Mar. 29 through April 6, 2011.