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Kolobkov wins men's epee gold medal

16 September 2000Reuters


SYDNEY — Pavel Kolobkov, of the Russian Federation, ended his 12-year quest for an Olympic gold medal when he won the men's individual epee on Saturday night - the first fencing title to be decided at the Olympic Games.

Kolobkov beat Frenchman Hugues Obry 15-12 in the final, while Lee Sang-Ki of South Korea edged Marcel Fischer of Switzerland 15-14 to win the bronze medal.


 Pavel Kolobkov of Russia celebrating
Pavel Kolobkov of Russia celebrating
Vincenzo Pinto / Reuters
"When I was young I wanted to be number one - and now I am close to it," said Kolobkov, a 30-year-old who is ranked second in the world.

Kolobkov beat Lee 13-9 in the semi-finals while Obry scored a controversial 15-13 win over Fischer after the Swiss fencer twice had penalty points awarded against him in the final minute.

Kolobkov, the 1993 and 1994 world champion, finally completed his full set of Olympic medals. He had previously won two silvers and two bronzes in individual and team events dating back to Seoul in 1988 and has now won at least one medal at each of the last four Games.

His solid attacking style gave him the edge over the flamboyant and fiery Obry and he was swamped by his teammates after sealing his win.

Obry, in contrast, was a sad, solitary figure despite collecting France's 100th medal in Olympic fencing competition.

"It is hard to explain how I feel," Obry said. "I am happy and disappointed at the same time."

Obry, ranked only 27th in the world, defied the odds to make the final. His victims included third seed Peter Vanky of Sweden as he continually pumped himself up with shouts of joy and little shuffles each time he won a point.

Kolobkov, in contrast, was a study in calm despite being pushed close by several of his opponents. "Olympic Games are always difficult," the Russian said. "You expect that and prepare for it."

Reigning world champion Arnd Schmitt, the veteran German who had been aiming to win Olympic gold medals in the event 12 years apart, was beaten by Fischer in the third round - one of a series of upsets in the early rounds of the event.

France's 1992 Barcelona champion Eric Srecki was another early casualty, losing to Lee in the quarterfinals.

Obry also nearly stumbled before reaching the final, squandering a 7-2 advantage and allowing Fischer back to 12-12 before the Swiss fencer was penalised twice for barrelling into the Frenchman.The second penalty cost him the contest and the pair exchanged words before Fischer extended his hand in congratulation.



Winsor Dobbin

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