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Japanese men break jinx against China in team foil

DOHA, November 18, 2009: Japan finally broke the losing jinx against China in men’s team foil at the 2009 Asian Fencing Championship taking place at the Aspire academy.

Japan led by Olympic Games silver medalist, Yuki Ota overpowered the strong Chinese contingent 45/34 in Wednesday’s final.

“It is a proud moment today, we finally beat China after almost six meetings.

“After a good start, we maintained the lead to win it quite convincingly at the end,” said Ota, who also won the individuals gold in the ongoing championship.

The four time Asian Games gold medalist, Ota felt the semifinal against Hong Kong was much difficult.

“In the semifinals it was really difficult against Hong Kong, we won 42/41 and that is what gave us the momentum and boost to win against world’s best,” Ota added.

Japanese coach Oleg Matseichuk believed the success was owed to team work and discipline.

“China is best in the world, playing against them you need to be disciplined and work in team, which my team did,” said the Ukrainian.

Korea and Hong Kong settled for bronze in the foil team event.

In women’s epee team, the South Koreans proved their dominance once again when they beat China 23/22 in one of the toughest match of the day.

South Korean coach Hee Jai Cho was delighted with the win.

“I am very happy, it was a very tough match and my fencers played brilliantly against tough Chinese women,” said Cho.

Japan and Hong Kong shared bronze medals respectively.

South Korea maintained the top slot in the overall standings with five gold, three silver and eight bronze, ahead of China with three gold, five silver and four bronze. Japan is third with two gold and four bronze.

The championship concludes Thursday with men’s sabre team and women’s foil team events starting at 0900hrs (local time).