Bianchi and Murtazaeva Win Gold on a Day Defined by Nerve and History
The third day of the European Fencing Championships in Genova brought an unforgettable blend of drama, precision, and emotion, as two new champions were crowned in women’s épée and men’s foil. Both events highlighted the exceptional depth of talent in Europe, but also the psychological toughness required to perform under the highest pressure.
Women’s Épée: Every Touch Counts
It was a day of fine margins in women’s épée, where all matches in the semi-finals and final were decided by priority — a clear sign of how close the level is at the top. Victory required not only technique but absolute composure in the final seconds.
The gold medal went to Aizanat Murtazaeva (AIN), who showed resilience and calm in the most challenging moments. In the final, she met Estonia’s Katrina Lehis — the 2018 European Champion and Tokyo Olympic bronze medallist. Their encounter was a rematch of their Olympic duel, where Lehis took the win. But this season, the tide has turned: in both of their 2024/25 meetings, including this final in Genova, it was Murtazaeva who emerged victorious.
For Lehis, the silver medal is yet another achievement in a decorated career. She demonstrated poise and control throughout the competition and confirmed her standing as one of the leading athletes in the discipline.
Bronze medals went to Alberta Santuccio and Sara Maria Kowalczyk, both of Italy.
Santuccio, known for her fighting spirit, fenced with unmatched intensity all day, surviving two domestic derbies and prevailing in two priority matches. Her path to the podium was a display of sheer willpower and mental strength.
For Kowalczyk, this was her first appearance at a European Senior Championship — but she already left her mark. Having won a World Cup gold in Fujairah earlier this year, she confirmed her rising status by stepping onto the podium in Genova.
Men’s Foil: A Champion’s Performance
In the men’s foil, Italy’s Guillaume Bianchi delivered one of the most dominant performances of the day, closing the final with an emphatic 15:5 victory over France’s Anas Anane.
Bianchi, a silver medallist in team foil at the Paris 2024 Olympics, has been one of the most consistent performers this season — winning the Cairo World Cup, earning silver in Lima, and now, claiming his first individual European title. After taking bronze at the 2023 edition, he returned to the podium in 2025 — this time on the top step.
Anane, only 21 years old, impressed with maturity and talent, making his way to the final through a demanding path. This silver medal is a breakout moment for the young Frenchman and a strong indication of his potential on the world stage.
The bronze medals were awarded to Tommaso Marini (ITA) and Carlos Llavador (ESP).
Marini, like Bianchi, was a member of Italy’s Olympic team that won silver in Paris. He entered the event as the reigning European champion and added another major result to his name after also winning one World Cup this season and finishing second at another.
Llavador, a familiar face on the European circuit, has trained in Italy for years and sharpened his technique there. A multiple-time medallist in senior competitions, he delivered another solid performance. His match with Bianchi drew notable attention and sparked loud support from the crowd, who cheered enthusiastically throughout.
Looking Ahead: Team Competitions Begin
After three days of gripping individual action, team competitions are set to begin on Tuesday, 17 June.
At 09:00, the women’s foil teams will begin their campaign for the title, followed by the men’s sabre teams at 10:00.
The first team gold medals of these European Championships will be awarded during the finals session at 17:30, and national pride will be on full display as athletes unite under their flags.
Full results:
https://www.fencingtimelive.com/tournaments/eventSchedule/6F3E353632504FA28F3B81389D3490BE#today
Finals livestream and highlights:
https://www.youtube.com/@FIEvideo
