Number 1 !!!

Celebrating his ninth World Cup victory - as Richard Kruse did at the Prince Takamado World Cup in Tokyo over the weekend - is a really big deal. Make no mistake ... he had to beat USA favourite Race Imboden in the final, after seeing off the current Olympic Champion Daniele Garrozzo in the semi. This was as tough as it gets in world fencing.

But what is an even more remarkable achievement is that this win makes Richard Kruse the WORLD No. 1 mens foilist. This is the first time that a British fencer has ever held this title, and marks the highlight of a long and distinguished career.

Richard has been training with Ziemek for over 20 years

Here is how the BBC reported the historic win.

The final can be watched here (with 'local' commentary)

World Number 1 Richard Kruse

Richard strikes Garozzo in semis2

Richard strikes Garozzo in semis

Richard and Garrozzo close quarters

Richard parries Garozzo's attack in semi

Richard Kruse celebrating with Ziemek af

Richard Kruse gladiator into battle

The final line-up

Richard Kruse in final with Race Imboden

Richard Kruse in Tokyo final with Race I

Richard Kruse in Tokyo final with Race I

Richard Kruse World No1

Richard Kruse World No One

Richard with Tokyo gold medal

Richard with the Tokyo trophy

Richard Kruse with podium

Richard Kruse on podium with dignatories

Photos by the ever-brilliant Augusto Bizzi / FIE