The Mercia Novice Open in Derby saw epeeist John Barnetson take top spot at his first National open win! After a strong poule he stayed focussed till the very end to take the gold medal at the 2026 event!

The Mercia Novice Open is only open for fencers outside a certain position in the British National Rankings to encourage novice fencers to develop competition skills, but they have a rule that dictates a former gold medal winner of the competition cannot compete in the event again!

https://foiledagain.co.uk/mercia-novice-open/