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South Korean fencers dominate day three in Doha

DOHA, November 16, 2009: The South Korean fencers dominated day three (Monday) of the ongoing 2009 Asian Fencing Championship, winning both gold at stake in men’s and women’s individual categories respectively taking place at the Aspire.

In men’s sabre individuals, it was World champion Jung Hwan Kim of Korea beating compatriot Eun Seok Oh 15/10.

“I had a strong feeling this morning, last night I had a very nice dream of winning gold,” said the elated Kim.

The 2007 World Cup gold medalist, Kim, found it slightly difficult initially against the Beijing Olympic games gold medalists Man Zhong of China in the semifinals, but he mastered his art to perfection by winning the match 15/7.

“It was difficult playing against Zhong in semifinals, he is a strong fencer and Olympic gold medalist, but I kept my momentum and won the match quite comfortably at the end,” added Kim.

Korean coach Kim Jaekyung felt Kim had a good day against some tough opponents.

“I thought it will be difficult in the semifinals against Olympic champion, but Kim done really well to win the first gold for Korea in this championship,” said Jaekyung.

Japan and China shared bronze in the sabre individuals.

Korea won their second gold of the day with Hyun Hee Nam taking the foil title thrashing China’s Huili Dai 15/9 in the final.

Nam has fond memories of Doha where she won gold in individual and team at the 2006 Asian Games.

“Nice to win another gold in Doha, after the achievements in 2006,” said Nam, who won silver at the Beijing Olympic games.

The 21-year-old debutant, Dai, won her first silver medal at the Asian Championship.

Hee Sook Jeon of Korea and Yuki Mori of Japan took bronze medals apiece in foil event.

After Monday’s performance, Korea toppled the medals standing with 3 gold, 2 silver and 7 bronze, ahead of China with 2 gold, 3 silver and 3 bronze. Japan is third with 1 gold and 1 silver.

Team event begins Tuesday, with men’s epee and women’s sabre competitions starting 0900hrs.