France Holds Off Improving China
Jean-Noel Ferrari lifted France to a thrilling 45-44 victory over rapidly improving China in the men’s team foil final.
China led, 37-34, going into Ferrari’s final contest with Wang Haibin but the Frenchman hauled himself level and then sealed his nation’s first gold medal in the event in 20 years.
The French team comprised Ferrari, Brice Guyart and Patrice Lhotellier.
The silver medal was China’s first in men’s fencing.
Italy, the 1984 Olympic champions, won the bronze medal with a 45-38 victory over Poland.
In women’s team foil, the U.S. and Poland reached the semifinals in tense matches.
The U.S. defeated Hungary, 45-41, to reach the final four, where it will play Ialy, a 45-39 winner over Ukraine.
Poland defeated China, 45-43, and will play Russia in its semifinal. Russia ousted Germany, 38-35.
Go beyond the scoreboard
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