Russia lead the way as 2018 Senior European Fencing Championships draw to close in Novi Sad

Russia once again proved to be the dominant force at the Senior European Fencing Championships which drew to close in Novi Sad, Serbia last night.

The final round-up of six days of individual and team competitions - which took place at the Novi Sad SPC Vojvodina “SPENS” Sports Center - saw the Russians emerge as the most successful nation at the Championships, claiming half of the 12 gold medals on offer with three of those coming in the team events.

In the men’s team foil competition, Russia faced Italy in the Final beating them with a score of 45-38. In the semi-finals, Russia easily accounted for over France, 45-10 whilst Italy overcame Poland, 45-30. For the bronze medal, Poland beat France, 45-39.

The Russians also claimed the men’s team epee, beating France in the Final with a 45-34 result. The winners had earlier defeated Italy, 45-40 in the semi-finals, as the French team beat Switzerland, 45-27. Italy successfully took the bronze medal against Switzerland, 45-29.

Hungary broke the Russian monopoly of the team events, defeated Italy in the Final of the men’s team sabre, 45-33. Hungary overcame Romania, 45-37, in the semi-finals, as Italy had a narrow win over Germany 45-44. The bronze medal match went to Germany over Romania in another close round, 45-43.

In the women’s team competitions, Russia was victorious in the team sabre event, beating Ukraine in the Final thanks to a 45-30 score. Both finalists had close semi-final matches with identical scorelines, with Russia beating France, 45-42 and Ukraine defeating Italy by the same margin. The battle for the bronze medal was even closer as France overtook Italy by a single touch, winning with a 45-44 final score.

The Russians were not so successful in the women’s team foil event as they were edged out by Italy in the Final by a single touch, 41-40. In the semi-final rounds, Italy defeated Germany, 45-26 whilst Russia beat France, 45-31. For the bronze medal, France overcame Germany, 45-26.

Team France was more successful in the women’s team epee, taking gold in the Final against Poland by a single point, 41-40. The French had earlier defeated Estonia, 45-36 in the semi-final, along with Poland beating Ukraine, 45-37. Estonia secured the bronze medal against Ukraine, 42-37.