RECENT NEWS

Romanian Branza captures first women's Epee Grand Prix title

DOHA, January 25, 2009: Ana Branza captured the inaugural women's 2009 Qatar Fencing Epee Grand Prix individual's title, Sunday, here at the Aspire.

The lone second-seeded Romanian competing in the tournament, Branza stunned top seed Germany's Britta Heidemann 15-14 in an exciting and breathtaking final.

On her way to the final, Branza had close finishes against the Germans in tableau 64 where she beat Beate Christmann 15-12.

She outplayed Frenchwoman Maureen Nisima 15-5 in the semifinals.

Heidemann opened her account swiftly in the tableau 64 when she beat Sabrina Lui of Hong Kong 15-8, only to find Italian Nathali Moellhausen in a close semifinal match which she won 11-9.

Women's team final will be held on Monday.

The coronation ceremony was attended by former Qatar Fencing Federation vice-president Rashid Al Mansoori, Saleh Al Hemaidi, the secretary general of QFF, guests and QFF officials.