Greg Beattie, of Thixendale, near Malton, recently became the Yorkshire under-14 sabre champion and, as a result, has been chosen to represent Yorkshire at the British Youth Championships at Stoke-on-Trent in February.

Just two days after his 12th birthday, and in his first-ever competition, Greg was the only representative of the Pocklington-based Ridings Sabre Club in the under-14s category at the Yorkshire Youth Qualifiers in Harrogate.

He was drawn against opponents from the under-16 and under-18 age groups in the preliminary rounds. Putting in solid performances against older and far more experienced fencers, Greg scored multiple hits to make it to the final of the under-14 category.

In the final, Greg dominated older opponent Andrew Gillot of Sheffield to lead 11-3. In a tense and competitive match, Andrew drew on his greater experience to close the gap. However, despite the deficit in age and experience, Greg dug deep and fought through to win 15-13.

The youngster, who took the sport up a year ago, said he was 'ecstatic' to be heading for the final. He is now preparing for Stoke by practising at the Ridings Sabre Club under coach Adam Waller, who is ranked 38th in the country, and by doing regular exercise to strengthen his legs.

Updated: 11:57 Wednesday, December 17, 2003