Fencing: Flessel leads France to team triumph

OLYMPIC GAMES

France moved ahead in the fencing medal stakes on Wednesday as they pushed Italy into second place in the women's epee team event, writes Graham Morrison.

The match seemed evenly-balanced at first but by the half-way stage France had gained the upper hand as Laura Flessel, the new individual champion, fought her relay against Elisa Uga. Italy came back as Laura Chiesa took up the fight, but Italy were unable to hold France and the match ended as Flessel thrust through Chiesa's defence in the last relay for a deserved 45-33 win. The bronze medal went to Russia as they defeated Hungary in extra time.

In the men's team sabre the gold went to Russia in a match which their opponents, Hungary, never looked like winning - despite a team which on paper seemed strong. Russia took an early lead and never looked back, finishing the match 45-25 ahead.