Also - someone else mentioned it earlier - but when you get caught in a duel - you get this one initial burst of energy - and then the rest of the fight you're pretty much stuck on the ground with little jumps here and there unless you use the bigger hills to your advantage. If there are no hills - like that broadside/watery map in the center area - you're pretty much fucked.
Solider is pretty good specifically for having a stronger disk and more health in that case.
imho soldier is without a doubt the dueling class. you can absolutely clean up as soldier in any 1 on 1. great nades, awesome disc, pistol can plink for that last bit of hp and energy pack.