Gold and Bronze for Caforio in Porec
Italy’s Cadet Women’s Epee team produced a thoroughly professional display to claim the European title in Porec, Croatia today.
Performing well above their ranking of European number 5 team, the Italians lined up with Carola Maccagno, Lucrezia Paulis, Gaia Caforio (individual bronze medalist) and reserve Anita Corrandino. They followed up a bye through the round of 32 with victories over Austria 45-16, European number 4 France 45-24 and the number one seeds, Russia 45-35 to make the final.
In the other half of the draw, Israel also fenced above their ranking of sixth. Adele Bogdanov, Nikol Feygin, Kamila Dyrektor and reserve Elianna Semiannikov also had a bye before beating Ukraine 45-42, European number 3 team Poland 45-43 and Germany 45-32 for a shot at the gold medal.
The Italians came into the final with a clear game plan – build a lead and then pick off their opponents as they tried to fight back. At first Israeli fencers Bogdanov and Feygin contained the Italians to 7-7 after two fights. On came Italy’s individual bronze medalist Caforio and she opened up a healthy 15-10 lead over Dyrektor. The Italians built on that lead in the middle third of the match, leading 30-22 after the sixth leg. Israel responded, bringing on their reserve Semiannikov. A great performance from her meant the team from Israel closed the gap by two points but it proved not to be enough as Caforio and Maccagno saw out the gold medal match, taking the title 45-35.
Russia defeated Germany 45-36 for the bronze medal.
