The Fencing World Championships got underway in the Hungarian capital of Budapest on Thursday. The opening ceremony and first day of gold-medal competition took place soon after that on the same day.

The first day's highlight was China's Lin Sheng winning a silver medal in the women's individual épée event.

Overall 12 events are being held in team and individual competition for both men and women, in three weapon categories: épée, foil and sabre. The previous Fencing World Championships were also held in Budapest in 2013, and this year's championships are taking place in the same location, the BOK Sports Hall – one of the top meeting and sports facilities in Hungary. 

Ace Chinese fencer Lin is currently ranked second in the world. Her opponent in the final was 33-year-old Brazilian veteran Nathalie Moellhausen coached by Daniel Levavasseur, who also helped China's Sun Yujie win the 2012 London Olympics épée title.

Lin had beaten Moellhausen twice before, but the Brazilian defended well in Thursday's final. Lin was more passive and was trailing 3-5 early in the title duel. Moellhausen went on to win the closely-fought contest 13-12 as Lin had to settle for silver.