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Paris2024: Day VII

02.08.2024 0:00

Competition

The seventh day of the Olympic Games in Paris was a thrilling showcase of skill and determination, featuring the men's epee team competition. The Grand Palais hosted an unforgettable day of fencing, marked by dramatic bouts and unexpected outcomes. European teams performed admirably, and it was Hungary that emerged as the ultimate victor, securing a long-awaited triumph.

Hungary's team, composed of Andrásfi (4th place at the Paris Olympics), reigning world champion Koch, world champion and Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Siklósi, and Nagy (a strong fourth member with a podium finish this season), demonstrated exceptional prowess throughout the competition. Despite their relative youth, they established themselves as strong contenders from the onset, navigating through each match with precision and strategy. The final bout against Japan, the reigning Olympic champions from Tokyo 2020, was particularly intense. Hungary led for the majority of the match, but Japan's Koki Kano, who had already clinched individual gold earlier in the Paris Olympics, managed to equalize in the final moments. The match came down to priority, where Siklósi delivered the decisive touch, bringing home the gold for Hungary. 

The bronze medal match was no less dramatic. France, with the formidable Yannick Borel - silver medalist at the Paris Olympics, Olympic champion Romain Cannone, and reigning European champion Luidgi Midelton and Paul Allegre, seemed poised to secure a podium finish. However, the Czech Republic, composed of both youth and experienced fencers, turned the tide. The Czech team featured the veteran Jiri Beran (41 years old), the young talent Jakub Jurka, Martin Rubes, and Michal Cupr. Jurka's remarkable performance in the final bout against Borel, winning 12:6, showcased his determination and skill. Despite trailing, Jurka managed to equalize and then surpass Borel, securing a historic bronze medal for the Czech Republic. Jurka's heroics were not limited to this match; his pivotal role in the quarter-finals against Italy, the reigning world champions and ranked number two, also highlighted his burgeoning talent and potential. The Czech Republic started their day decisively, winning against the very strong Italian team.

As the dust settles on today's intense epee team competition, the focus shifts to tomorrow's team events. With the women's sabre team competition promising more excitement, fans and athletes alike eagerly anticipate another day of top-tier fencing.

 

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