Lugotenko strikes twice at wheelchair fencing Worlds

Russia’s Alexander Lugotenko retained his world champion status in the men’s foil category C discipline at the International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports Federation (IWAS) Wheelchair Fencing World Championships on day four (21 September) in Eger, Hungary. The title is the second gold at these Championships for Lugotenko, who also won gold in the epee.

With his compatriot and main rival Sergey Barinov eliminated by Italy’s William Russo in the quarterfinals, Lugotenko seized the opportunity. Dropping just 13 points during the entire knockout phase, Logutenko saved his best fencing for the gold medal match. The Russian sealed his consecutive world title in the discipline with an emphatic 15-3 victory over South Korea’s Chunhee Park.

Russia were also victorious in the equivalent women’s event. In a field featuring just four competitors, Ksenia Ovsyannikova emerged as the victor, securing gold in an all-Russian final against Anne Gladinia. Gladinia had been unstoppable in the semi-final, conceding just one point as she beat Georgia’s Diana Jishiashvili. But Gladinia could not replicate that performance in the final, with Ovsyannikova taking the title 15-5. Germany’s Ulrike Lotz-Lange shared the bronze medal with Jishiashvili.

In the men’s sabre team competition, France faced Poland for the gold after the Polish team won a surprise 45-43 victory over Russia in the semi-final. France’s consistency proved key for their victory, as Damien Tokatlian, Ludovic Lemoine and Maxime Valet landed five hits in each of their bouts. With the Polish team unable to match this high average, France took the title 45-29.

In the bronze-medal matchup, Russia were too strong for Iraq. Iraq’s best fencer Ali Amar was unable to repeat the form that won him epee category B gold on the opening day of the Championships.

There was no surprise in the women’s sabre team event as Ukraine cruised to gold. Featuring Natalia Morkvych, Yevheniia Breus and Tetiana Pozdniak – ranked world No.1 and No.2 in the category A discipline and No. 1 in the category B, respectively – the favourites overwhelmed their Polish opponents in the final, winning 45-23.

Russia beat Georgia to the bronze medal position in a thrilling encounter. One bout saw an incredible 21 hits, as Russia’s Elena Chervyakova beat Diana Jishishvili 11-10.

Tuesday (22 September) sees the team competitions continue as the men’s epee and women’s foil teams.

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

Day 3 recap.

Day 2 recap.

Day 1 recap.