The first day of the EFC U14 Festival in Cividale del Friuli brought exciting fencing, emotional victories and the crowning of the first three champions. Young athletes from across Europe took to the piste in Women's Épée, Men's Foil and Men's Sabre, showcasing the talent and passion that make the festival one of the highlights of the European youth calendar.
Women's Épée – Stoyanova Claims Bulgaria's First Gold
The opening title of the festival went to Bulgaria as Iva Stoyanova produced an impressive performance to capture the Women's Épée gold medal. In the final, she defeated Italy's Virginia Molinario, while the host nation also celebrated two bronze medals thanks to Giulia Romana Mitaritonna and Alea Mileo, giving Italy three places on the podium in the opening event.
Men's Foil – Italian Final Delights Home Crowd
The home supporters had even more to celebrate in the Men's Foil competition, where an all-Italian final saw Evan Feliciovercome Gianmarco Curci to secure the gold medal. Lazare Chitadze of Georgia and Italy's Mattia Salvatorecompleted the podium with bronze medals after strong performances throughout the day.
Men's Sabre – Decsi Triumphs for Hungary
Hungary celebrated victory in the Men's Sabre as Hunor Decsi emerged victorious after an outstanding tournament. Romania's Victor Ionescu finished with the silver medal, while Andrea Iafrancesco of Italy and Hungary's Levente Dancsok shared the bronze medals.
One More Day of Competition Ahead
The festival concludes on Saturday with the remaining three individual events. Competition begins with the U14 Men's Épée at 9:30, followed by the U14 Women's Foil at 11:30 and the U14 Women's Sabre at 14:30.
Full results are available here:
https://www.fencingtimelive.com/tournaments/eventSchedule/36CEDC65B7D94FEEABD34FD3A1DCD7D8#today
The European Fencing Confederation wishes all athletes the very best of luck for the final day of competition in Cividale del Friuli.
