U.S. Olympic fencing medals assured

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BEIJING -- The first U.S. medals will come within the next few hours, with the conclusion of the women’s individual sabre competition.

Three U.S. women, including defending gold medalist Mariel Zagunis of Beaverton, Ore., advanced Saturday to the semifinals. She faces Becca Ward of Portland, Ore. In the other semifinal, Sada Jacobson of Dunwoody, Ga., faces Sofiya Velikaya of Russia.

Ward beat Azza Besbes of Tunisia, 15-14. Zagunis beat Bao Yingying of China, 15-9. Jacobson beat Olena Khomrova of Ukraine, 15-11.

The success comes despite financial and organizational problems plaguing the U.S. Fencing Assn.

-- Randy Harvey