Fencer Davis claims bronze at European Championships

British fencer James Davis has claimed bronze in the individual foil on the second day of the European Championships in Zagreb.

The 21-year-old was guaranteed a medal after beating Belarusian Siarhei Byk 15-13 in the quarter-finals.

But the Londoner was denied a shot at gold when he lost 15-8 to defending champion Russian Alexey Cheremisinov.

Davis said: "I am delighted with my performance, although I'm disappointed not to get to the final and win."

The 21-year-old, who reached the last 32 at the London 2012 Olympics, won all five of his first-round matches in Zagreb to go into the elimination stage ranked fourth.

This earned Davis a bye in the first knockout stage, and he went on to beat Poland's Janusz Majewski and Nikolaos Kontochristopoulos from Greece to reach the quarter-finals.

Three-time Olympian Richard Kruse, 29, finished sixth, while fellow Brits Marcus Mepstead and Keith Cook were placed 22nd and 43rd respectively.

The championships continues until Friday, with Davis hoping to add to his medal in the team event.