Barnet's James Davis said he "fenced like an idiot" after the men's foil European Champion suffered a shock defeat in the Olympic last 16 yesterday.

Davis lambasted his "stupid" 15-13 defeat to eventual bronze medalist Timur Safin the second round, having initially been seen as Britain's best hope of a medal in the event.

Davis could have ended with an all-British tie had he defeated Safin, with the Russian taking the bronze from surprise semi-finalist Richard Kruse later in the day.

He was, instead, wondering what might have been and had some harsh words for himself when speaking to the media in Rio De Janeiro.

"I just got stale," he said. "I didn’t adapt in the bout. I took a great lead and then just got lazy. I kept doing the same action and let him back in it.

"I got too tense and then once the score got closer, I just didn’t change quick enough. I fenced like an idiot towards the end to be honest.

"I’d beaten him this season and I’m experienced enough that I should be seeing out games. I should have pulled away and finished it but instead I let him get back in it."