Gu v Szilagyi is usually a matchup seen in the final, rather than the round of 8. The last time these guys fenced, in Padova at the start of 2014, Gu got comprehensively curb-stomped. This time, however, he had things well in hand. Szilagyi seemed a bit off-form and was relying on a very aggressive 4m game to attempt to neutralise Gu’s primary weapon, his long attack. His was not pretty sabre. He got a few brutal power hits through early on, but as soon as Gu switched to parries and counterattacks, he was in serious trouble.
Gu was relaxed, focused and in command of the situation. Here’s a lovely little object lesson on the power of patience:
[gfycat data_id="PreciousAltruisticBlackandtancoonhound"]Yes, it’s a sabre exchange which is too long to fit in a 15 second GIF. Well done, gentlemen. I particularly like the nasty little rage-slash from Szilagyi right at the end, it’s all class.
As Gu built his lead, Szilagyi got angrier, and fell prey to some pretty hilarious stop cuts:
[gfycat data_id="InfatuatedAgileAmazondolphin"]By and large, Szilagyi’s characteristic technical flair seemed to be missing, although he did get a couple of legitimately nice hits:
[gfycat data_id="ShinyIdealAstrangiacoral"]The full match has just been posted on our YouTube channel. There’s a great deal of posing, arm-waving, shouting and general theatricality. Highly amusing.
Gu’s war cry at the end is one of the all-time greats. I think he was pleased.
[gfycat data_id="PeriodicGlitteringArrowana"]