China edged past Russia 29-28 in the final of the women's epee team event at the FIE Fencing World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, on Sunday.
Xu Anqi, Zhu Mingye, Lin Sheng and Sun Yiwen comprised the winning team, which claimed China's third title in the event. China also claimed gold in 2006 and again in 2015 with a team that featured Xu and Sun.
The Chinese women reached the title contest after eliminating South Korea and Italy, and the latter won the bronze medal.
In the final, China led 26-21 after eight rounds, but Chinese newcomer Zhu Mingye got a tough matchup against Violetta Kolobova, who brought the Russians back by outpointing her 7-2, leveling the team tally at 28-all with 25 seconds remaining on the clock in regulation.
China's winning team of Xu Anqi, Zhu Mingye, Lin Sheng, Sun Yiwen (top row, L2-R) pose on the podium with their staff after the women's epee team event at the 2019 Fencing World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, July 21, 2019. /VCG Photo
That forced extra time, while Zhu recomposed herself and landed the winning touch with 35 seconds to go.
China defeated Russia last year in the bronze medal match of the world championships.
In the men's sabre team event, China finished 11th.
(Cover photo via VCG)