Fencing-Queen Kong breaks French hearts to take maiden gold in women's epee

PARIS :Hong Kong's fencing queen Vivian Kong claimed her first Olympic gold medal in a nerve-wracking bout against local favourite Auriane Mallo-Breton of France in the women's epee at the Paris Games on Saturday.

Kong, who prevailed 13-12 in sudden death, was in floods of tears after coming back from six touches down.

"I just thought I was going to lose but I didn't want it to be so badly so I just tried to enjoy the stage," the world number one said.

Eszter Muhari of Hungary took bronze.

On a good day for Asian fencers, Kong rallied from 7-1 down to end her French opponent’s hopes in front of French President Emmanuel Macron, who took his place in the stands as Mallo-Breton was seemingly cruising to victory.

Oh Sanguk of South Korea won gold in the men's sabre individual event against Tunisia's Fares Ferjani with Italian Luigi Samele taking bronze.