O'Connell heads to China for his last student games ; Fencing [Edition 3]

ALEX O'Connell is hoping his third and final appearance at theWorld University Games will end in glory.

The 23-year-old jets out to Shenzhen, China on Sunday as the onlysabruer representing Great Britain in the competition. "With afollowing wind there's no reason why I can't go on and win a medal,"he said. "I will have to fence well though."

The law student at BPP University College will be up against itwith the world's best fencers set to feature in the competition.

Two years ago at the Games in Belgrade, Serbia the current sabreOlympic gold medallist finished runner-up.

"The standard is higher than you would have guessed," explainedO'Connell. "It's impossible to know how strong the draw will be, butI'm feeling healthy and confident and training has been going well."

Following a disappointing display at the European Championshipsin Sheffield last month, O'Connell had 10 days rest before gettingback into the training routine. The Games start on Thursday August11 and O'Connell competes shortly after on the Saturday, which he'spleased about. "I'll have been there for a week by the time theweekend comes so that's plenty of time to acclimatise," he said.

"By then I'll be itching to compete.

For me, there's nothing worse than seeing everyone else competingand doing well, while I'm just waiting and waiting.

"I'll be training a fair amount of the first week but hopefullywe'll be able to get out and see the city. I've a few days after theevent. They'll put on cultural displays and experiences foreveryone."