Senior European Championships 2012 – Day 5
Italy had to wait until the fifth night to strike gold on home soil
The Men’s Foil and Women’s Sabre team events took place on the penultimate day of the Championships in Legnano, Italy
Men’s Foil Team
The men’s foil team event was first up on day five of the European Championships with 14 entries including one from Great Britain – Davis, Kruse, Rosowsky (Reserve: Halsted).
The warm conditions continued to play their part in Legnano but Great Britain overcame Belarus 45-26 in the round of 16. It wasn’t such good news in the round of 8 where they came up against Russia. The Russians came out strongly and Halsted was brought on for Davis but to no avail. The Russians ran out easy winners 45-24. In the placings matches Great Britain beat Austria 45-38 but lost to Poland 45-40 to finish 6th.
The bronze medal match between Germany and Russia began quickly for Germany who had to replace anchor man, Joppich, due to injury. They were 10-0 up after two bouts and despite a strong showing from Chermisinov the Germans took the bronze medal 38-33 on time. The gold medal match between France and Italy started well for Italy as Baldini immediately opened up a 5-0 lead. Aspromonte had a shocking final. After four fights the Italians led 20-15 – fourteen of the French hits scored against Aspromonte. On came Avola and the Italians didn’t look back, taking the title 45-34.
Women’s Sabre
The second event on day five of the championships was the Women’s Sabre team event with 11 teams entered including one from Great Britain – Hutchison, Nicoll and Williams.
In the round of 16 they faced a tough prospect in Hungary and were knocked out 45-36. In the placings matches they beat Spain 45-43 and then Belarus 45-35 to finish ninth.
Italy faced Poland in the bronze medal match and led 15-12 after three fights. They never lost the lead and took the bronze medal 45-39. The gold medal match between Ukraine and Russia began in strange fashion. In the first fight Khomrova took a 5-3 lead for Ukraine against world number 2, Velikaya. On came world number 3, Kharlan for Ukraine and everyone expected the lead to be extended. Dyachenko (RUS) had other ideas and gave Russia a 10-7 lead. They never lost the lead and took the European title 45-37.
The final day will feature team events in Men’s Epee and Women’s Foil.
Sign up to receive regular highlights from the exciting world of fencing - celebrating the best of our unique and inspiring community
