Russia Strike Back to Claim Men’s Team Foil Gold at European Championships

Russia won the men’s team foil event in Serbia today at the fencing’s European Championships. Alexey Cheremisinov anchored the Russians home against Italy to claim his second gold medal of the tournament, in a 45-38 victory.

The Russians were seeded third for these Championships and eased past host nation Serbia and Ukraine to make the semi-finals. They took on World number two team, France in the semi-finals and produced the biggest shock of the tournament so far, beating them 45-10.

The number one seeds, Italy, eased past Great Britain and Poland to make the gold medal match and were crucially able to rest members of their team on route.

The bronze medal match was settle first as a buoyant Poland took on France who struggled to recover from their match against Russia. The French started slowly and Poland sensed an opportunity, leading 15-14 after three legs, taking that to 30-26 after six. A strong seventh leg from Maxime Pauty brought France within one hit but Krystian Gryglewski and Michal Siess took the Polish team to the medal, 45-39, finishing things off with a great counter-riposte.

The final was assured to be a tight affair and Italy stole the honours early on, leading 15-9 after three legs. Russia’s number three, Timur Arslanov had a great fifth leg against reigning Olympic Champion, Daniele Garozzo and brought them to within one hit at 25-24 but Italy held on to lead 30-27, going into the final three legs.

Again, it was Arslanov that performed, taking Russia into the lead ahead of the final two fights. That allowed Olympic bronze medallist, Timur Safin and the individual Champion Cheremisinov to battle Russia to a 45-38 victory and the gold medal.

Full results are available online, here.

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