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Written by Beatrice Pickup
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Monday, 16 August 2004 |
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Mariel Zagunis, Emily Jacobson, and Sada Jacobson at the NY World Cup. Mariel and Sada's performances guarantee the US it's first fencing medal in 20 years. Photo courtesy FencingPhotos.com
The United States is now assured it's first Olympic medal in fencing after a 20 year drought. Sada Jacobson and Mariel Zagunis each won their quarterfinal match-ups to get them into the medal rounds.
Sada Jacobson, ranked #1 coming into the competition, easily dispatched her Cuban opponent in the round of 32 before taking on Leonore Perrus (FRA) in the round of 16. Perrus had just defeated Sada's sister Emily in a close match. Sada avenged her sister and awaits former world champion and world #5 Xue Tan of China.
 On the other half of the bracket, Mariel Zagunis defeated Madoka Hisage (JPN) before facing Elena Jemayeva (AZE). Jemayeva is a two time world champion, having won the world title in 1999 and 2000. Zagunis will face off against Catalina Gheorghitoaia of Romania in the semifinal matches.
The finals will be shown at 6pm EDT on Bravo tonight. |
