244 men’s épée fencers from 24 nations found their ways to Berlin to fight for the „White Gold“ on the second January weekend, the desired trophy of the kingly porcelain manufacture Berlin. At the end of the tournament Niklas Multerer from Heidenheimer Sportbund 1846 e.V. was the dignified winner. His way to the podium lead via last years champion Frederik von der Osten (DEN), which he beat confidently. In a battle that was not to excel regarding tension against Richard Pokorny (CZE) only a few spectators were able to keep their seeds when Niklas finally won with 15:14. Christian “The Voice” Holzmacher ensured entertainment in the crowded dome hall.
Traditionally the best under-23 fencer of the tournament was honoured. Frederik von der Osten (DEN) carved out third place and won the “Small White Bear”, sponsored by the patrons of the tournament, senator for interior and sport of Berlin Frank Henkel. It was presented representatively by state secretary Andreas Statzkowski. Another tradition is the honor of the best Berlin starters. Toni Kneist (PSV Berlin) achieved 25th place and with that again the title and received the price by district mayor of Charlottenburg-Wilmersorf Reinhard Naumann as well as by the sport association Berlin.
Not only was the venue new at the 56th “White Bear”, as the Horst-Korber-Sportzentrum is recently used as an emergency accommodations for refugees. Also the organisation team was reinforced by the Berlin Fencing Association on request of the FC Grunewald. This way the tournament took place in 5 halls of the House of German Sport for the first time. An organisational and technical challenge, which was mastered with flying colours by the hosting team. Information about tournament itinerary and the historical tournament venue are found among others in the following documents: site map, programme, poster, website FC Grunewald, results.
Besides other media representatives, hauptstadtsport.tv was on site on both days a media partner of the Berlin Fencing Association and assembled two great reports:
- reports hauptstadtsport.tv on 56th „White Bear“, day 1 and 2
- hauptstadtsport.tv "the magazine" from 13.01.2016
The Berlin Fencing Association thanks all supporters, partners, organisers and helpers, who realized with their support this high class tournament.
Online photo book on White Bear 2016 "Impressions"
The 56th „White Bear“ was sponsored by the state of Berlin.
