The men's national sabre fencing team of Do Gyeongdong (from left), Park Sangwon, Oh Sanguk and Hwang Heegeun on June 22 pose for photos after winning the team sabre title at the Asian Fencing Championships in New Delhi, India. (International Fencing Federation's official Facebook page)

By Kang Gahui

The men's national fencing squad has won the team sabre competition at this year's Asian Fencing Championships in India.

The quartet of Oh Sanguk, Park Sangwon, Do Gyeongdong and Hwang Heegeun on June 22 defeated Japan, 45-29, in the final in New Delhi.

Korea received a first-round bye in the round of 16 before advancing to the championship, beating Saudi Arabia, 45-24, in the quarterfinals and Kazakhstan, 45-34, in the semifinals.

Team ace Oh also won the gold in the men's sabre singles to score two in the competition.

Avenging its loss last year in the final to Japan, Korea will next vie for its fourth straight team gold in September at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.

In the women's team foil the same day, Park Jihee, Shim Soeun, Mo Byeoli and Lee Sejoo won the bronze, finishing behind Japan and China.

With two gold, one silver and five bronze, the combined men's and women's teams on June 22 ranked second overall in medals at the championships. Korea will seek more titles in the women's sabre and men's epee team events on June 23, followed by the women's epee and men's foil team competitions the next day.

kgh89@korea.kr