Obscure Wang Jingzhi edged out Buikevich Aliaksandr of Belarus 15-14 in men's individual sabre final to win China's first gold at Universiade 2009 on Thursday.
Trailing by 11-13, Wang evened the final 14-14 and stung his opponent at almost the same time. Referees took nearly half a minute on replaying and then declared the first gold of fencing going to China.
Wang eliminated teammate Zhong Man 15-9 in semifinal. Zhong won gold at Beijing Olympic Games.
"I was too aggressive in previous matches and spent too much energy," said Zhong, who took part in the Universiade for the first time. "We are familiar with each other and it is normal for anyone to win."
After claiming his first major international title, Wang felt glad to win.
"I didn't know it would be the first gold for Chinese Delegation," said Wang. "I didn't think too much. I was just focusing on every single round. I'm afraid that if I though too much, I would lose."
"Comparing with the final, the semifinal against Zhong Man is more difficult. As the reigning Olympic champion, he kept a good form and I fought hard to beat him."
Ji Daoming, leader of the Chinese fencing team, cherished this gold.
"Winning the first gold is great. But I think Wang's road to win is more important," said Ji. "Aliaksandr's world ranking is top three of the world and not only Wang, but also Zhong Man performed very well."
Four Chinese women fencers attended the individual Epee event and didn't make to the quarterfinals.
Source: Xinhua
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