Russia are disappointed on two counts, narrowly losing out in both men's and women's finals at the European Championships in the Georgian capital.
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There was disappointment for Russia in Tbilisi, where both men’s and women’s fencing teams lost out in European Championships finals – but only just.
The men’s team foil final saw France narrowly triumph in a closely fought contest at the Georgian capital’s Gymnastic Arena.
It was a case of sweet revenge for the French who had lost out to the Russians last year in Europe and again at the Olympics in Rio. History looked to be repeating itself until Erwann Le Péchoux made a late surge, overcoming a five-point deficit to seal a final score of 45 to 43.
Russia had earlier beaten Germany in the semi-final.
France with CADOT Jeremy, LE PECHOUX Erwan, LEFORT Enzo and MERTINE Julien winners of the men’s team foil event in #Tbilisi2017, Georgia! pic.twitter.com/sjSDHBfJbA
— FIE (@FIE_fencing) June 14, 2017
In the women’s sabre team final it was Italy who came out top over the Russians, in an even tighter battle. With both sides level at 44 points each Rosella Gregorio made the decisive move against Yana Egorian. Final score, 45-44.
Meanwhile France, beaten by Italy in the semi-final, secured third-place by overcoming Hungary.
The competition offers fencers a chance for final preparations before the World Championships in Leipzig.
Congrats to the European Champions of women’s team sabre CRISCIO Martina, GREGORIO Rossella, GULOTTA Loreta, VECCHI Irene in #Tbilisi2017! pic.twitter.com/E8xqx7agee
— FIE (@FIE_fencing) June 14, 2017