London's Anna Bentley is competing in the fencing event

Olympic fencing: Monica Peterson 10 Anna Bentley 9 (after sudden death)

London resident Anna Bentley was knocked out in the women’s foil round of 64 to Monica Peterson after a sudden death bout.

Bentley drew first blood and picked up a two point lead very quickly but the 28-year-old Peterson struck back.

The 31-year-old established a 3-1 lead, but the Canadian fought back to level the scores.

Bentley and Peterson exchanged points but with 45 seconds remaining in the first round the Canadian struck two blows to take the lead for the first time.

The 28-year-old, who was the favourite for the bout, established a three point lead as time ran out in the first period.

The Brit fought back to reduce the deficit to two and quickly scored another hit to trail by one point.

But the Canadian fought back to increase the gap again and was 8-6 after the second period.

The third period started in cagey fashion as Peterson looked as if she wanted to run the clock down.

With 47 seconds remaining Bentley struck and reduced the deficit to one and the Canadian changed her weapon.

She equalised with 18 seconds remaining and with six seconds remaining Bentley took the lead.

Peterson tried to attack and was close on two occasions and with one second remaining Peterson hit to take it to sudden death.

Bentley was given the advantage going into the minute, meaning if she survived then the Brit would go through, but in dramatic circumstances, after both fencers attacked, the referee gave the point to Peterson.