Rebecca Ward won a closely contested bronze medal bout to complete the sweep of the women's sabre medals by the United States. Early in the match, Velikaya had stayed ahead. Ward admitted that she was a bit hung up on her semifinal loss to Mariel Zagunis but pulled through in the end with a 15-14 victory over Velikaya.
The four fencers stride up to the piste. Sada Jacobson is smiling and relaxed. Velikaya stands stiff but smiles once introduced. Mariel Zagunis has a bit of nervous energy and Becca Ward looks relaxed. All four fencers sway a little bit - a little bit of warming up and keeping loose. They look ready to go, but first we have to introduce all of the referees.
The semi finals start out with Velikaya vs. Jacobson. Sada is 1-0 vs. Velikaya this year.
Rene Roch held a press conference today as he promoted the advances of the FIE over the past few years. At the same time Roch highlighted advances on the technology and fairness of fencing as well as the advances of non-European nations to show that fencing is a modern and worldwide sport.
The United States will bring home at least 2 medals tonight and are positioned for a possible sweep as the event concludes tonight at the Fencing Hall in Beijing. All 3 US fencers advanced in their quarterfinal matches to reach the semifinals.
Sada Jacobson was down early to Ukraine's Olga Kharlan but rallied to win the bout 15-13 in the round of 32 at the Olympic Women's Sabre event.
Kharlan took 5 straight points to lead early in the match 5-1. Unable to put together a rally of her own, Jacobson entered the 2nd period down by three points at 8-5.
