Team GB fencer Richard Kruse has admitted that he was expecting to "fence badly" at the European Games in Baku this morning.
The 31-year-old was knocked out in the round of 32 in the men's individual foil event, losing 15-9 to France's Jean-Paul Tony Helissey.
Kruse told reporters: "It's training for us. We are looking towards the World Championships in three weeks' time. We knew that we would fence badly. We flew in just two days ago. We just came here because it is better training with these guys than what we get in London.
"It doesn't count for the Olympics or the world ranking, but the world championship is crucial, so that's what we are going for. I would have preferred another match or two, but I couldn't.
"I'm a little bit tired. We have trained quite hard, so I have to taper off for the world championship. If we get a result at the world championship, it is justified, otherwise if I don't, I'm a scammer."
Kruse is a six-time medallist at the European Championships.
Sian Cowper
