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Golden boy Yuki wins foil gold in Doha

DOHA, November 15, 2009: Japan’s ace Yuki Ota won his fourth consecutive Asian championship gold when he overpowered arch-rival Jun Zhu of China here on Sunday at the 2009 Asian Fencing Championship, taking place at the Aspire dome.

Ota beat Chinese Zhu 15/3 in a one-sided final showdown in men's foil individuals. With this win, the four-time gold medalists Ota, strengthen his lead against Zhu to 4-0.

“I played him (Zhu) four times and have won all four,” said Ota. “Zhu is a very good player, his technique is very good, and am happy to beat him again,” he added.

Ota had also won gold at the Doha Asian Games and has good memories of Doha.

“I love Doha. It was here I won the Asian Games gold medal in 2006, it leaves good memories of this place,” he said.

The Beijing Olympic Games silver medalists, Ota, suffered minor muscles-pull and was seen struggling to walk after the match.

“It is nothing serious. I was tired and pulled my muscles. I suppose it will be okay soon,” explained Ota.

Japanese Coach Oleg Matseichuk was elated with the performance of the Asian Champion.

“He (Ota) is four time Asian games gold medalist. He won silver in Beijing and also gold at the Universiade, all these stats speaks it all,” said Matseichuk.

“It was a tough competition and Ota played brilliantly,” added the Ukrainian.

The Korean Kwon Young Ho and Ha Tae-Kyu settled for bronze medals.

In women’s epee event, it was China again with Xiaojuan Luo beating Anqi Xu 15/12 in an all-Chinese final.

Korean Jung Hyo-Jung and Oh Yun Hee bagged bronze medals.

Men’s sabre individuals and women’s foil individuals competition will be held on Monday starting at 0900hrs.