The Iranian men’s epee team has performed outstandingly at the first edition of the Asian Masters Fencing Championships in the Philippines, landing in the first position of the tournament.
On Sunday, the Iranian outfit, comprising Farhad Rezaei, Houman Kazemi, Bahram Amin Sadri and Mohammad Reza Qandahari, emerged triumphant in its first Category A (born in years 1966 to 1975) contest staged at the PSC-Philsports Arena in Pasig City, and overcame Japan B national epee team 45-23.
The Iranians managed to secure a narrow win (45-44) against Japan A epee squad in the semifinal round to advance to the final showdown.
The Iranian team raced past Hong Kong 45-12 in the last encounter to end its campaign at the international sporting event, and stood on the top of the podium.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Rezaei competed in individual epee completion and managed to take home a silver medal.
The epee is the modern derivative of the dueling sword used in fencing. As a thrusting weapon, the epee is similar to a foil, but has a stiffer blade, which is triangular in cross-section with a V-shaped groove called a fuller, has a larger bell guard and is heavier.
There are no rules regarding priority and right of way in the epee competitions, and the entire body is a valid target area.
The first edition of the Asian Masters Fencing Championships opened in Pasig City, the Philippines, on August 28 and will wrap up on August 31.
The men’s events are being staged in Category A (born in years 1966 to 1975), Category B (born in years 1956 to 1965), Category C (born in years 1946 to 1955) and Category D (born in years 1945 or earlier).
The women’s competitions are held in Category A (born in years 1966 to 1980), Category B (born in years 1956 to 1965), Category C (born in years 1946 to 1955) plus Category D (born in years 1945 or earlier).