Double Gold for Velikaya as Russia Storm to European Women’s Team Sabre Title

Russia won the women’s team sabre event today at the European Championships as Sofya Velikaya collected her second title in Novi Sad on her return to competitive action. They faced Ukraine in the final and beat them handsomely, 45-30.

Seeded third for the tournament, Russia, boasting Velikaya and reigning Olympic Champion Yana Egorian, beat Spain and number one seeds France, on route to the final.

Ukraine, who were seeded fourth took out Great Britain and Hungary before seeing off number one seeds Italy 45-41, to secure their chance to fight for gold.

The bronze medal match between France and Italy was always going to be tight. The French led 15-13 after the first three legs but Italy worked hard and great stints from Rosella Gregorio and Irene Vecchi saw the Italians taking a 30-26 lead into the final third of the match. Criscio made things look impossible for France by outscoring substitute, Caroline Queroli, 5-0 in the seventh leg. However, a remarkable 11-5 run for France’s Manon Brunet, in the eighth was followed up by an equally superb 8-4 win for Cecilia Berder in the final leg, to take France to bronze, 45-44.

Russia dominated the gold medal match against Ukraine, leading 15-7 after three legs and 30-14 after six. They went into the anchor leg in complete control leading 40-15. With nothing to lose, Ukrainian Olga Kharlan took the fight to old adversary, Velikaya and an incredible finale played out in front of the packed crowd. Kharlan stunningly scored 15 hits but it was not enough, as Velikaya took the Russians over the line to the gold medal.

Full results are available online, here.

The Championships continue tomorrow with team events in men’s epee and women’s foil.