ALEXANDER Cupper was crowned West Midlands under 10s foil competition winner at the regional championships in Redditch.

The year four pupil at The Downs School, Malvern, joined fencers from across the region with the opportunity to qualify for the British Youth Championships.

Cupper was fighting in the under 10s category and faced traditionally his weakest phase in the pool stage but things went better than expected.

He finished the pool unbeaten and, with a higher number of hits made compared to received, clinched number one seeding for the eliminator phase involving the top eight.

Cupper did not disappoint, beating his first opponent 10-0 in little over 30 seconds to qualify for the semis against a fighter he knew.

The knowledge helped him but Cupper had to work as his opponent did everything he could to deny the Malvern youngster. The final score was 10-3 in little over two minutes.

Cupper had time for a snack and rest with the second semi finishing 10-9 after going into extra-time.

He then contested the last final in all age groups and a crowd gathered to watch.

Cupper led 3-2 after fine fencing from both boys before he took on board coaching advice and improved his hit-rate and accucary to make it 9-5.

The final third started and Cupper hit his opponent within seconds to seal the title. He is coached by Southern Marches Sword Academy, the Herefordshire club and Redditch Youth.