Romanian fencer Radu Nitu, ranked 10th in the world junior ranking, finished the day first out of 61 fencers in the men’s sabre event.
18-year old Nitu, a former European junior medalist, started the day off with a 5/6 record in the pool, which granted him a 7th seed entering the direct elimination. After a BYE in the round of 64, he defeated Tymur Terzi (BUL) 15-9, Piotr Szczepanik (POL) 15-11 and Vakthangi Archvadze (GEO) 15-9 to reach the semi-final. There he fenced Gergo Horvath (HUN), whom he defeated 15-12 to get a chance at the gold medal.
The other fencer in the final, teammate Alexandru Zmau from Romania, earned himself a 4th seed in the elimination after a 5/6 record in the pools. On his way to the semi-final he passed Mikhail Alpaidze (GEO) 15-11, Martin Julio Perez (ESP) 15-10, and Mattia Rea (ITA) 15-13. There he defeated Santiago Madrigal (ESP) 15-7 to secure and all-Romanian final. The final turned out to be an even affair, but the youngster Nitu drew the longer straw and won 15-13 to become the 2023 European U23 champion in men’s sabre.
