Fencing Day 6 Review: Ukraine takes first ever Women's Team Sabre gold

Ukraine has won gold in the inaugural Women's Team Sabre event at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 14, defeating China 45-44.

The Ukraine team was comprised of Olga Kharlan (World No. 15), Olena Khmorova (World No. 32), Halyna Pundyk (World No. 34), and reserve Olha Zhovnir.

China's Sabre team was made up of Tan Xue (World No. 4), Bao Yingying (World No. 6), Ni Hong (World No. 73) and reserve Huang Haiyang.

The teams in the gold medal final were a surprise, after favorites the United States and France made early exits. Both teams met in the play-off for the bronze medal, but it was the United States who won with a total of 45-38.

The French women, who already suffered disappointing results in the Individual event, were devastated.

"Everything is gone. We had worked really hard for four years," French fencer Leonore Perrus said after the match.

The United States team was represented by current FIE world ranking leader and 2008 Individual Olympic Champion Mariel Zagunis, silver medalist Sada Jacobson, and bronze medalist Becca Ward.

Earlier in the day, Ukraine defeated the United States 45-39 and China beat France, 2007 world champion, with a victory of 45-38 during qualifying matches.

In the classification matches, Russia, Poland, South Africa and Canada finished fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth respectively.

 
Source:Fencing Day 6 Review: Ukraine takes first ever Women's Team Sabre gold