China secures title win at the Qatar Women Epee World Cup 2011 - Fencing Feature
The Qatar Women Epee World Cup 2011 concluded the evening by a close win of 30-29 point score by China, after defeating the Polish fencer at Aspire Academy Hall, in Doha, on February 14.
This victory was possible as the Chinese rising star, Xu Anqi trounced European fencing star, Magdalena Piekarska of Poland in the dying minute of the last bout.
The 2010 Asian Games silver medallist team was previously on trailing at 21-22. Later, Xu managed to over-power the 2009 World Championship silver medallist, when the deficit had risen to two points.
She scored to tie it up just before four seconds to the bout finish. The additional one minute allowed was lucky for the fourth positioned player in 2010 world championship individual event, securing victory for the Chinese team.
This win had vital importance on the fact that China had lost twice to Poland in previous competitions. The other three members Sun Yujie, luo Xiaojuan and Yin Mingfang, along with Chinese Coach, Li Ming began celebrating and cheering their victory in emphatic
fashion.
The beginning bout was very bleak for China when Xu failed to open the score against Danuta Dmowska-Andrzejuk, but Sun helped China to lead against Piekarska with a 5-2 score point.
The other Polish Epeeist, Malgorzata Bereza filled in the gap by two points to close the trail at 4-5. After a bout between Sun and Dmowska-Andrezejuk, the single point China lead prevailed at 9-8.
Later, the scores tied up at 9-9 at the end of a bout between Chinese Xu and Polish Bereza. This was followed by a dynamic bout conducted between Luo and Piekarska, where the fight levelled up at 17-all.
The next bout was played by China’s Luo against Dmowska-Andrezejuk, that was previously led by the Chinese Epeeist but few good touches from the Polish fencer ended into a 22-21 lead to China.
Here, Xu saved the day with her brilliant performance against Piekarska, claiming the World Cup entitlement for her Chinese team.
It was a commendable effort because China’s previous appearance in Doha last year secured them a third position after losing the semi-final against Poland. This year, the tables had turned in favour of China.
Chinese coach, Li said that it was the first time they could defeat Poland and win the title in Doha. According to him, it is a big win and he is proud of the girls. Xu, while commenting on her victory said, “It’s a big moment for me as I was the last to
take on Piekarska. I wasn’t thinking too much about the outcome. I was out there just trying to put in my best.”
She commemorated her team’s effort by saying “It feels truly thrilling to have played a big part in the title win. But Sun, Yin and Luo also contributed a great deal. We are all thrilled with our combined effort.”
The Chinese women had proven better this year as they over-powered Hungary at 45-35 in the semi-final, causing the World Number One, Emese Szasz to shed tears on her defeat. The third position for a bronze was secured by Hungary after trouncing Italy, 45-32.
Manager of Qatar Fencing Federation (QFF), Abdulla al Mathed was the closing ceremony president and gave away the prizes and medals to the winners.
China received a cheque for US $4,000 on their victory, followed by Poland with US $3,000 and Hungary with US $2,000.
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