Velikaya crowned best fencer in the world

Russian sabre fencer Sofiya Velikaya fought her way to gold at the World Championships in Catania, Italy.

­The Russian was trailing by five points to Olympic champ Mariel Zagunis of the US in the women’s individual final, but managed to cut the deficit and win by a 15-14 scoreline.

It is Velikaya’s third career world championship gold, with her two previous successes coming in the team sabre event in 2004 and 2010.  

Julia Gavrilova, another Russian who lost to Zagunis in the semis, and Ukraine’s Olga Kharlan took the bronze.

The overall medal count is topped by hosts Italy, with three golds, one silver and one bronze.

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