Russians cruise to women's team foil gold

Baku, June 27, AZERTAC European Games individual bronze medallist Adelina Zagidullina steered Russia to a comfortable 45-18 victory over France in the women's team foil Fencing final on Friday. Surprisingly, the Russians had chosen not to call upon individual silver medallist Yana Alborava but easily won the contest with a team of Zagidullina, Diana Yakoleva and Anastasia Ivanova. Alborava praised the team spirit and said that competition within the squad had been the key to the Russian success. "We are 10 girls training together and we are all like sisters," she said. "Each girl is trying to get into the team." Alice Volpi of Italy, who won the individual women's foil title, guided Italy to the bronze medal after a straightforward 45-28 victory over Poland. But the Italians were disappointed by their defeat by France in the semi-finals. "We couldn't go back to Italy without a medal. That would simply not be allowed in our country, which has such a long fencing history," Carolina Erba said. "The bronze is acceptable, but no more than that."