Moroccan Fencer Upsets World Champion Lucas Malcotti in Switzerland
Crowned world épée champion in July, Switzerland’s Lucas Malcotti had a difficult return in front of his home crowd. On Friday, November 13, in Bern, Morocco’s Houssam El Kord eliminated him in the round of 32 of the World Cup, winning 15-13.
Lucas Malcotti was hoping to make a successful return to competition. In his first appearance since winning the world title in Hong Kong, the 31-year-old Swiss fencer was stopped by Houssam El Kord. The Moroccan won 15-13 on Friday at the World Cup event in Bern.
World No. 12, Malcotti had qualified directly for the main draw. He won his opening bout against compatriot Diego Erbetta (15-5) before falling to the Moroccan fencer. His preparations had been disrupted by flu contracted a few days before the competition, reports Swiss broadcaster SRF.
Houssam El Kord had already won a close bout in the previous round. Facing American Gabriel Feinberg, he edged through 15-14. Against the world champion, the Moroccan again managed to come out on top in a bout that remained competitive until the final touches.
Aged 33, El Kord has extensive international experience. In 2022, he won silver at a World Cup event in Germany, becoming the first fencer representing Morocco to reach the podium in the competition. He was beaten in the final by Frenchman Romain Cannone, the reigning Olympic champion.
In Bern, the Moroccan’s run ended in the round of 16. Italy’s Andrea Santarelli won 15-12. Houssam El Kord ultimately finished 14th among the 356 fencers competing, according to the official International Fencing Federation standings.
