Épée, Team, Women

Romania, as World Champions in both 2010 and 2011, were top seeds for the Olympic tournament so it came as a major shock when they were put out by Korea, the lowest ranked team at London, in the opening match of the event. Korea then claimed victory against the USA in the semi-final to give them an unlikely shot at the Olympic title.

The other half of the draw was more predictable although the defeat of #2 seeds Russia by #3 seeds China would have been considered a minor upset if the recent form of both nations fencers were not taken into consideration.

The final saw Sun Yujie make up for the disappointment of failing to win the individual gold by anchoring China to victory by 39 points to 25. This was the first time an Asian nation had won an Olympic team title in fencing although, as South Korea were to win the men’s sabre title within the hour, its status as a unique feat in Olympic history would not last for long. The bronze medal match between the USA and Russia was a much closer affair which was decided only when Courtney Hurley scored the winning hit in the sudden death extra minute.