In brief
The 15‑year‑old Bulgarian fencer claimed silver at the Budapest World Cup after a series of decisive victories, including wins over German, Hungarian and Chinese fencers, before falling to Luisa Rezi in the final. The tournament drew 131 competitors from 22 nations and ran from November 5 to 8, 2026.
In a showdown that highlighted the rising talent in European fencing, 15‑year‑old Bulgarian fencer Ralitsa Gadzheva secured the silver medal at the Budapest World Cup 2026 in the women's cadet category. The tournament, which ran from November 5 to 8 in Hungary’s capital, drew 131 fencers from 22 countries and was covered by the Bulgarian Fencing Federation, which reported her performance on Saturday.
Gadzheva entered the competition with a robust group‑stage record, winning four bouts while surrendering two. The precise opponents in that phase were not listed in the announcement, but the results gave her a seed that carried her into the elimination rounds.
Elimination Rounds
In the second round of the knockout bracket, the Bulgarian defeated Hong Kong’s Yuyan Uu Zou with a 15‑8 scoreline, setting a tone of aggressive fencing for the rest of her run. A subsequent bout against compatriot Dora Hristova proved equally decisive, with Gadzheva prevailing 15‑5.
Her next challenge headed to Hungary, where she faced Boglarka Komjathy and secured a 15‑9 victory. This win earned her a spot in the critical matchup for a podium place, where she confronted Germany’s Amilia Mertens. Gadzheva answered with a 15‑3 triumph, underscoring her ability to dominate opponents from fencing powerhouses.
The semifinal saw Gadzheva take on Chinese fencer Yingxiao Zhou. Maintaining her momentum, she prevailed 15‑11, ensuring a place in the final and adding a second medal to her young career.
Final Showdown
In the championship bout, Gadzheva faced Germany’s Luisa Rezi. Despite a strong start, the Bulgarian could not match Rezi’s consistency and fell 7‑15. The loss left Gadzheva with silver, while Rezi clinched the gold for Germany. Both fencers were noted for their technical skill and composure under pressure.
The Bulgarian Fencing Federation’s announcement highlighted Gadzheva’s victories as "decisive" over competitors from Germany, Hungary, and China, and described her final match loss in accordance with the score provided. While the tournament concluded late into November, the event was well received by both the organizing committee and international federations for showcasing youthful talent on a global stage.
As the fencing community looks ahead, Gadzheva’s performance suggests the potential for future successes at senior levels, with her demonstrating keen tactical awareness and consistent execution across a demanding slate of matches.
