🇫🇷 SEBASTIEN PATRICE BREAKS THROUGH FOR FIRST GRAND PRIX GOLD IN TUNIS
Updated: Aug 5
TUNIS, TUNISIA — 11 JANUARY 2026
World number 3 Sebastien Patrice (FRA) reached a new career milestone by capturing his first-ever Grand Prix title at the Men's Sabre Grand Prix in Tunis. Patrice, who has been the model of consistency this season with bronze medals at both the Algiers World Cup and the Orleans Grand Prix, finally climbed to the top step of the podium after defeating Hungary’s Krisztian Rabb 15-11 in the final.
Rabb (HUN), the World number 7, secured the silver medal to add to the gold he won at the season-opening Grand Prix in Orleans, cementing his status as one of the most dangerous fencers on the circuit.
The bronze medals were claimed by World number 5 and African Champion Ahmed Hesham (EGY) and World number 2 Jean-Philippe Patrice (FRA). Hesham continued a stellar run following his bronze in Orleans, while Jean-Philippe Patrice secured a podium finish alongside his brother, marking a historic day for French sabre.
Path to the Podium
Sebastien Patrice displayed champion's poise throughout the direct elimination rounds. After a comfortable early run, he survived a high-stakes quarter-final against Korea’s Park, winning 15-14. He maintained his momentum with a 15-10 victory over the formidable Hesham in the semi-finals before clinching the title against Rabb.
Krisztian Rabb's route to the final was a gauntlet of the season’s top performers. He edged out Ali Pakdaman (IRI) 15-14 in the 32, followed by an 15-11 win over Orleans silver medallist Frederic Kindler (GER). In the quarter-finals, he produced a statement 15-10 victory over Algiers World Cup winner Colin Heathcock (USA) before dominating Jean-Philippe Patrice 15-6 to reach the final.
Ahmed Hesham (EGY) proved his world-class credentials by winning an all-Egyptian clash against two-time African Champion Ziad Elsissy 15-8 in the round of 16. He secured his second Grand Prix bronze of the season with a 15-11 victory over Italy's Torre in the quarter-finals.
Jean-Philippe Patrice (FRA) showed why he is ranked second in the world by navigating a tricky path to the semi-finals. After defeating Kokubo (JPN) 15-10, he overcame his teammate and Olympic medallist Maxime Pianfetti 15-13 in a closely contested quarter-final to ensure two French flags on the podium.
