🇨🇳 CHINA CAPTURES FIRST TEAM GOLD OF THE SEASON ON HOME SOIL
Updated: Aug 5
WUXI, CHINA — 8 FEBRUARY 2026
The Chinese Women’s Epee team delivered a masterful performance in front of a home crowd to secure their first podium finish of the season—a gold medal at the Wuxi World Cup. Ranked fifth in the World, the Chinese squad—Liu, Shi, Tang, and Yu—capitalized on a momentum-shifting middle phase to defeat Korea in the final.
Korea (World number 3) claimed the silver medal, marking their second consecutive runner-up finish after the same result at the Fujairah World Cup in January. Top-seeded Italy secured the bronze, their second of the campaign, while Ukraine fought through to their best result of the season, finishing fourth.
Path to the Podium
China (World number 5) navigated the bracket with clinical efficiency, beginning with a 39–31 win over Hong Kong and a dominant 45–25 dismantling of Japan. In the semi-finals, they faced top seeds Italy; after leading 23–19 through six bouts, the Chinese team pulled away in the final three legs to win 45–37. The final against Korea saw a shaky start, but Tang Junyao provided the spark with a massive 12-hit performance in the third bout to seize a 15–13 lead. China dominated the middle third to lead 30–20 and held their nerve through the closing stages to win 45–35.
Korea (World number 3) reached the final after a pulse-pounding semi-final against Ukraine. Despite leading by five points entering the final three legs, Korea had to withstand a furious Ukrainian comeback. Although Ukraine outscored Korea in each of the final three bouts, the Korean squad—comprising Lim, Park J., Park S., and Song—managed to edge the victory 42–40.
Italy (World number 1) secured the bronze following a hard-fought play-off against Ukraine. The Italians trailed 8–6 early on but utilized a strong middle phase from Fiamingo, Isola, Rizzi, and Santuccio to turn the tide, leading 20–18 after six bouts. Italy maintained a slim advantage through the final three legs to complete a 42–36 victory and secure their spot on the podium.
Ukraine (World number 7) proved to be the dark horse of the tournament. Their route to the final four was highlighted by a significant 45–38 upset of France in the quarter-finals. While they ultimately missed out on a medal, their fourth-place finish represents a season-best performance for the squad.
