France, Hong Kong take wheelchair fencing titles

The French men took the epee team title, while the Hong Kong women cruised to gold in the foil team event at the Wheelchair Fencing World Championships. 23 Sep 2015

Romain Noble in action at the London 2012 Paralympic Games

ⒸGetty Images

By IWAS

France and Hong Kong, China, took the top prizes on day five (22 September) of the International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports Federation (IWAS) Wheelchair Fencing World Championships, held in Eger, Hungary.

In a tight finals of the men’s epee team category, France defeated Poland 45-41 for the gold.

Robert Citerne was dominant in his match, incurring 11 hits on Poland’s Norbert Calka to give Team France the 40-37 advantage. Romain Noble then held off Dariusz Pender with five hits to four that allowed France to claim the world title.

The third-place match also featured a close battle between Iraq and Russia, with Russia claiming the bronze with a 45-44 score. Maxim Shaburov was strong in his face-off with Hayder Al-Ogaili to give Russia the 40-37 lead. Despite Zainul Al-Madhkhoori claiming his match against Artur Yusupov 7-5, it was not enough for Iraq.

Hong Kong had no trouble claiming the gold in the women’s foil team, defeating home favourite Hungary 45-31. Despite a strong match from Zsuzsanna Krajnyak, who cruised in her match against Yui Chong Chan, 15-4, Hungary struggled to land any hits against their opponents.

Italy took the team bronze after a 45-38 victory over Russia. Beatrice Vio helped Italy close out the match, incurring five hits to three on Albina Kuramshina.

The IWAS Wheelchair Fencing World Championships wrap up on Wednesday (23 September) with the men’s sabre team and women’s epee team events.

To follow the IWAS Wheelchair Fencing World Championships in Eger, visit the event’s Facebook page.