Beketov Sharp in Duel --and of Tongue

Aleksandr Beketov, a warrant officer in the Russian army, defeated Ivan Trevejo-Perez of Cuba, 15-14, in a bout that was tied nine times, including at 11, 12, 13 and 14. Beketov won the gold on a lunging shot to his opponent’s right side 5 minutes 57 seconds into the bout.

All three Americans--Tamir Bloom, Michael Marx and James Carpenter--were eliminated in the second round.

In the gold-medal match featuring two first-time Olympians and left-handers, Trevejo-Perez scored five successive points to take a 10-6 lead. Beketov responded with six consecutive scores, including a double touch.

“My suggestion is that the athlete from Cuba believed in his victory too early,” Beketov said through a translator. “It was his mind that led him to defeat.”

Hungary’s Ivan Kovacs suffered an ankle injury during his match against Beketov when the force of a touch knocked him off the raised fencing strip onto the ground about two feet below. Kovacs’ status for Tuesday’s team epee competition was unknown Saturday night.

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MEDALISTS / Fencing

MEN’S INDIVIDUAL EPEE

Gold: Aleksandr Beketov, Russia

Silver: Ivan Trevejo-Perez, Cuba

Bronze: Geza Imre, Hungary