Egypt’s Ziad Al-Sissi claimed the bronze medal in the Fencing Sabre World Cup held in Padua, Italy, from 1 to 3 March.
The International Fencing Federation (FIE) World Cup was held as athletes continued to prepare for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games this summer.
Al-Sissi came behind Colin Heathcock of the US who clinched the gold medal. Heathcock faced Italy’s Luigi Samele in the final bout in the men’s individual sabre, winning 15-12.
In the semi-final, Samele beat Spain’s Santiago Madrigal 15-13 while Heathcock defeated Al-Sissi 15-7.
Al-Sissi had managed to beat world champion Eli Dershwitz of the US in the quarter-finals 15-10, following a win in the round of 16 against Hungary’s world champion Andras Szatmari 15-12.
In the men’s team event, South Korea won the gold medal after a thrilling showdown against the US 45-44. The US took the silver medal and France came in third after beating Hungary 45-28.
The Egyptians made a powerful start in the competition, beating Spain’s Yago Moran 15-10 in the round of 64 before beating America’s William Moreil 15-11 in the round of 32.
In the Round of 16, Al-Sissi defeated Szatmari and sustained his winning streak to beat Dershwitz in the quarter-final, thus securing the bronze medal.
The Egyptian delegation comprised Al-Sissi, Adham Moetaz, Mohamed Amer and Mazen Al-Arabi.
Altogether, 235 individual fencers and 24 teams took part in the World Cup Series.
Meanwhile, Egypt is currently hosting the African Fencing Championships for youth and juniors in Cairo from 1 to 7 March.
Egyptians were in the lead on the third day with an overall 26 medals: seven gold, six silver and 13 bronze.
Tunisia followed with five medals, including a gold, silver and three bronze. Senegal was in third place with a gold and a silver whereas Niger was fourth with only one silver medal and South Africa fifth with two bronze medals.
Egypt is taking part with a huge delegation in all fencing disciplines: foil, sabre and epee, for all age groups in youth and junior men and women athletes.
* A version of this article appears in print in the 7 March, 2024 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly