Twenty-year-old Alex O'Connell secured an Olympic fencing place for Britain after a brilliant performance in the qualifying tournament in Istanbul this weekend.

Not ranked in the world's top 120 in men's sabre, the Cambridge University student reached the final and although he lost it to Pole Marcin Koniusz, two Olympic spots were up for grabs.

However, O'Connell must wait to discover whether he is given the nod to represent Britain in Beijing or whether the place he earned goes to someone else.

There was bitter disappointment, though, for Richard Kruse, a quarter-finalist in Athens four years ago and second in the 2006 European championships.

Seen as Britain's best hope for a first Olympic fencing medal since 1964, Kruse missed out by one hit in his qualifier in Lisbon after suffering a recent ankle injury.

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