Kruse continues superb form in St Petersburg

GREAT Britain's Richard Kruse has moved up to seventh in the world after claiming his second consecutive Grand Prix silver medal in St Petersburg.

TOP FORM: Richard Kruse (l) is in fine form at present, having captured another Grand Prix silver medal in St Petersburg

Foil fencer Kruse has been in superb form of late, following a silver medal in Tokyo two weeks ago and another second-place finish at the Seoul World Cup earlier this month

In his quarter-final Kruse claimed the scalp of current world number one, European and world Andrea Baldini of Italy - edging the contest 15-13.

In his semi-final against world number 11 Miles Chamley-Watson of the USA, Kruse was in control and eased through 15-10 but in the final Sheng Lei of China proved a step too far.

Kruse said: "Taking Baldini, the current World and European Champion and world number one, is something special.  I believe I'll be able to win a major world competition this year."

This is the third week in a row that British Fencers have brought home medals from top flight international events.

British Fencing foil coach Ziemek Wojciechowski added: "This is third consecutive podium result from the GB men's foil team which shows our consistency and that medals at the 2012 Olympics are in sight."