Kruse claims fourth-career individual European medal in Italy

Posted: Sunday 17th June 2012 | 16:53

RICHARD Kruse claimed his fourth-career individual medal at the European Championships to further underline his potential for this summer's Olympics.

Kruse, who qualified outright for the Games courtesy of his world ranking after winning a satellite event in Denmark, took bronze in the foil in Italy.

It didn't look the 28-year-old would get that far after he won only two of his five first-round matches however he soon upped his game.

Kruse beat Brice Guyart, Roland Schlosser, Rostyslav Hertsyk - who he overtook in the world rankings to seal an Olympic place - and Renal Ganeev.

He was even 10-5 ahead in his semi-final against Alexey Cheremisinov - the Russian ranked eighth in the world - but he was to lose 15-11.

But Kruse - who won individual European bronze in 2010 and silver in 2009 and 2006 - was satisfied with his efforts.

"It feels good - I wanted to be on the podium. I wanted to have a complete burn-out before the Olympics and wanted to push myself to the absolute limit," said Kruse.

"I did just that. I'll settle for bronze now and we'll work on fitness when we get back."