RIO DE JANEIRO (April 23) – Tatiana Logunova upset world No. 1 Xu Anqi on Saturday to win the women’s individual epee Grand Prix title in Rio de Janeiro, part of the test event for the Olympic Games.
It was a first Grand Prix title this season for the experienced Russian, a two-time Olympic team gold medalist who had to settle for bronze in Qatar and Hungary.
“I’m very happy and I hope to see you again in Rio at the Olympic Games,” said the 35-year-old Logunova. “My coach said if you are not sure what to do, stay passive, and get your touches that way.”
Xu, the favorite going into the event at Carioca Arena 3, suffered what appeared to be a lower back injury in her semifinal victory over Logunova’s compatriot, Olga Kochneva, and seemed to have limited movement in a final that ended 5-3 to the Russian.
Kochneva, the world No. 46, achieved her best result to date by securing a joint bronze medal with the other losing semifinalist, Katrina Lehis of Estonia.
The Russian had dispatched the world No. 13 Injeong Choi in the last 32 and No. 5 Emese Szasz of Hungary in the last 16.
Other surprise results included early defeats for world No. 2 Rosella Fiamingo and No. 3 Violetta Kolobova of Russia.
It was the final epee Grand Prix of the season for the women.
Sunday sees the men’s event, where world No. 1 Gauthier Grumier will be looking to claim a second Grand Prix gold of the season and underline his status as firm Olympic favourite.
But with the rest of the world’s top 10 all present in Rio, the Frenchman will have to be on top form to do so.
The Rio Grand Prix is the first competition to adopt a new cross formation for the pistes, an innovation in the sport designed to provide an improved view of the action for the spectators.
For more information, contact FIE Communications Director David Nowak on +44 7584 518730