LEE Sinhee (KOR) shocked cadet world champion Eleonora De Marchi (ITA) to win the gold medal in the women's epee fencing at the Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Games on Monday.
The Italian was favourite for the title and proved her class in the semi-final by coming back from 10-6 down to defeat Catherine Nixon (USA) 15-11.
But LEE had too much for De Marchi in the gold medal contest, securing a 15-13 triumph after a hard-fought bout.
“I gave it all when I made that comeback in my semi-final bout,” said silver medallist De Marchi.
“And during the gold medal match I was really tired. Anyway, she was better than me on the day because although I knew what I should or shouldn't do, I couldn't manage to see her attacks. LEE is a very strong fencer.”
Asa Linde picked up Sweden's first fencing medal at a Youth Olympic Games when she beat NIXON 15-8 to collect the bronze.
“I'm speechless, I'm so happy," Linde said. "I really wanted to bring home a medal. When I lost the semi-final my coach told me 'just take this [focus on the bronze medal] and think later' and it worked.”
The men's competition went to form with cadet world champion Patrik Esztergalyos (HUN) winning gold, but only after an unconvincing start to the tournament.
“During the round robin I was stressed and I didn't know why,” Esztergalyos said. “I didn't feel the flexibility and form I usually do. My coach told me to start playing differently and step by step, then I thought maybe I could win.”
The Hungarian improved as the day went on and beat Linus Islas Flygare (SWE) 15-8 in the final, after the Swede had caused an upset by beating world cadet championship runner up Justin Yoo (USA) in the semi-final.
“I was expecting someone else in the gold medal match,” Esztergalyos said. “I thought I would play Justin, but the Swede beat him in the semi-finals so I'm happy about it.”
Islas Flygare said: “I’m more satisfied than disappointed. I mean, a big medal like this, the Youth Olympic Games is once in a lifetime.
“He’s a fantastic fencer, you saw it, he won the world championship as well. But fencing is sport and I could have taken it.”
Ivan LIMAREV (RUS) collected the bronze medal thanks to a 15-14 triumph over YOO.
On Tuesday, the women's sabre and men's foil events will be contested at the Nanjing 2014 Games.
Follow the results here: http://www.nanjing2014.org/en/en_sports/GamestimeResults.htm