Pick ’Em Fantasy Doha Epee
I’m trying out a new feature where I recommend picks for fantasy fencing. I make no guarantees on the accuracy of my picks; on the other hand, I am at the top of the leaderboard. This week there are only two events, Doha men and Doha women. Let’s get started!
Doha Men
1-10
Just close your eyes and pick someone. This top ten is stacked. I personally am going with Kano, but any of Cannone, Di Veroli, Siklosi, or Minobe are safe bets too. Koch won champs last year.
11-20
I’m torn here between Bayard and Komata, both of whom I have good feelings about. Bayard did better in Vancouver, so I’m going with him. Other options that jump out at me are recent top-tenner Rodriguez, Pereira, and Limardo Gascon. Elsayed is the cynical pick. Top tip for this row - the first six are guaranteed a spot in the 64, so that’s free points.
21-30
I’d pick Borel if he was in the 1-10 slot. Having him all the way down here is a steal. Other options: Vancouver champ Midelton, Israeli phenom Cohen, another Limardo.
Doha Women
1-10
I’m a huge Moellhausen fan. Song fences like she has an extra inch on her French grip, Candassamy won Worlds, and Fiamingo makes it work despite being a foot shorter than everyone else.
11-21
Xiao shone in her hometown event, taking names all through Vancouver, but I wasn’t extremely impressed with her fencing. I’m going to take a swerve here and go with Ndolo. Holmes in one last hurrah is another good option.
21-30
Hsieh posts some fun vlogs, and I like her fencing. Kirpu is underrated for this slot, although not as badly as Borel, and everyone else is about the same level - a threat, but not a big one.
For reference, thats: Kano, Bayard, Borel, Moellhausen, Ndolo, Hsieh for me. Good luck to everyone!