Leman_Russ and ManofWar are probably the 2 best 1 handers on the Na servers. They always top the charts as shielders. Shields are all about timing and range. Keep the enemy in front situational awareness and timing are key. Sheilders are possibly the strongest class in the game especially when they have access to steel picks.
The only person in all of the North American crpg servers that I try to avoid in battle, is ManOfWar.
I've seen three people play 1h no shield extensively, all of which are among the best 2hers/polearm users that I've ran across. BigSandwich, probably the most successful with it, being someone I'd place into the top 5 best duelists for North America.