Kruse shrugs off mugging to win Shanghai Grand Prix

Kruse produced his best result of the season in China, as he beat Italy's Alessio Foconi – one place above him at ninth in the world rankings – 15-8 in the final.

The Brit had received a bye through the qualifying rounds, so began his competition by beating German fencer Benjamin Kleibrink 15-9, which set him up for further victories over American Nick Itkin (15-6), Hong Kong's world No.7 Cheung Ka Long (15-11) and Italian Lorenzo Nista (15-8).

He then recorded a ninth victory in 12 career meetings with world No.6 Erwann Le Pechoux of France, prevailing 15-13, before the victory over Foconi in the showpiece.

And having been mugged shortly after arriving in Shanghai during the build-up to the competition, Kruse claims he was raring to get started once competition got underway

"The adrenaline that went through my body was unbelievable," said Kruse. "When I came to fence here, I was ready to fight.

"That's the truth but you probably don't want to publish that!"

Kruse finished fourth at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games but – after victory in Shanghai sees him climb to No.5 in the world ranking – the 33-year-old believes the heartbreak could prove to be a blessing in disguise.

"Maybe [coming fourth in Rio] was the best thing to happen to me," he mused. "Had I got a medal then perhaps I wouldn't have had the motivation to carry on."

Sportsbeat 2017