Russia and Ukraine win team gold at wheelchair fencing Worlds

On Wednesday (23 September), the final day of competition at the IWAS Wheelchair Fencing World Championships in Eger, Hungary, Russia and Ukraine added to their medal tallies with respective victories in the women’s epee and men’s sabre team events.

In the opening round of women’s team competition, the Russian team of Viktoria Boykova, Yuliya Efimova and Alena Evdokimova brushed aisde Greece 45-10. In the semi-finals they met hosts Hungary, and despite the support for the home nation, were too strong running out 45-17 winners.

In the final Russia met Hong Kong in what turned out to be a very close and thrilling encounter. Efimova beat Hong Kong’s Justine Charissa NG 5-4 in the opening match before Yu Chui Yee beat Boykova to give Hong Kong a slender 10-8 lead.

Evdokimova effectively won the tie however in the third contest outhitting Yui Chong Chan 7-1 to give Russia an overall 15-11 lead. It was a lead they further strengthened and eventually they ran out 45-37 winners.

Hungary defeated Poland 45-32 to take the bronze.

Ukraine were dominant throughout their march to gold in the men’s sabre team event. In the opening round they thrashed Malaysia 45-12, before hammering Russia 45-19 in the semi-finals.

In the gold medal match they met Italy who had been equally as impressive in defeating Georgia and France.

The Ukrainian trio of Anton Datsko, Andrri Demchuk and Vadym Tsedrik had too much in the final however winning all nine match-ups to secure a 45-18 win.

Russia beat Hong Kong 45-25 to take the bronze.

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