For the second year is a row I attended the Duel in the Desert Fencing Tournament in Las Vegas.  The tournament does not improve either my Division or National pints standing but I like to go to Vegas anyway and it makes the trip more than just gambling.  Also, I like the fact that I fence a lot of people I don't know at the tournament.

There were 104 fencers at the tournament and I was initially seeded 82. I fenced in a normal six person pool but went 1-4 due to a cold and lack of sleep.  Here is a picture of the venue at the Tropicana Hotel.

I ended up seeded 72nd going into the Direct eliminations.  I fenced Spencer Sugimoto who was the number 56 seed.  He was young and somewhat inexperienced.  I had no trouble beating him 15-8.

My second DE bout was against another young man but this time he was the number 8 seed Clinton Kershaw.  At first I was able to confuse him but he adjusted to my tatics faster than I could change and won the bout 15-9. I finished the tournament in 51st place.  

Here are some pictures taken

Taking a break between bouts in the pool.

  Getting ready for my first bout. 

Enguarde

My Mom was at her first tournament to see me fence.  Not a very impressive performance to see...