Huang Qianqian (L) of China competes against Japan's Azuma Sera during the women's foil team final at the Asian Fencing Championships in Wuxi, east China's Jiangsu Province, on June 21, 2023. (Photo by Huan Yueliang/Xinhua)
Japan claimed both gold medals on offer on Wednesday to lead the medal tally at the 2023 Asian Fencing Championships.
WUXI, China, June 21 (Xinhua) -- Japan clinched two gold medals in men's epee and women's foil team events at the 2023 Asian Fencing Championships here on Wednesday.
Currently, Japan leads the medal tally, having secured three golds, one silver, and one bronze medal.
In the women's foil final, Japan established a commanding 15-2 lead after three rounds. China's Cai Yuanting reduced the deficit to 20-15 in the fifth round. However, Sera Azuma responded with a 10-2 run in the sixth round, extending the gap to double digits and leading Japan to a 45-27 victory.
"They prepared better than us and kept applying pressure. It's challenging to win a final after such a sluggish start, especially when facing Japan, as they are the best women's foil team in Asia right now," said Chen Qingyuan, who won the women's foil individual gold on Day 2 of the tournament.
Hong Kong SAR secured third place with a 45-33 victory over Singapore.
China's silver medalists Fu Yiting (1st L), Huang Qianqian (2nd L), Cai Yuanting (2nd R) and Chen Qingyuan pose during the awards ceremony after their women's foil team final defeat against Japan. (Photo by Huan Yueliang/Xinhua)
Japan's men's epee team added another gold to their tally by overwhelmingly defeating Kazakhstan 45-25 in the final, while South Korea bested Hong Kong SAR 45-25 to place third.
The women's sabre and men's foil team events will unfold on Thursday. ■
