Kruse foiled in attempt to become Britain's first Rio medallist

Richard Kruse saw his bid to become Great Britain's first medallist of the Rio 2016 Olympics dashed by Russia's Timur Safin.

Kruse was beaten 15-13 by his opponent in their bronze medal play-off match in the men's foil, despite a spectacular comeback from 12-5 down to move within two points of victory at the Rio Olympic Park.

In his fourth Olympics, Kruse had scored three impressive wins in the preliminary stages before falling to world number one Alexander Massialas in their semi-final bout.

He will now turn his attention to next week's team foil competition, in which Great Britain are considered to have an outside chance of a medal.