Fencing brings fourth gold medal to Vietnam

Tran Thi Len and Nguyen Thi Le Dung won the finals of the women's singles this afternoon, June 4. Before that, Nguyen Minh Quang regretfully lost in the final match of the men's sabre event.

Le Dung won the SEA Games for the fifth time. Photo: Huu Nhon.

With an overwhelming 15-5 victory over Starrat Sirawalai in the sabre event, Le Dung closed the second day of fencing competition with the fourth gold medal for the Vietnamese sports delegation.

Unlike her two teammates who played earlier, Le Dung's game went smoothly thanks to her high precision in her relentless attacks. She led 6-3, then 8-3, before scoring seven more points.

Le Dung is the "lone undefeated" in the women's sabre event at the SEA Games. This is her fifth gold medal at this sports event.

Previously, Tran Thi Len defeated Raguin Harlene with a score of 11-7 in the women's foil event.

Playing both offensively, the Vietnamese fencer did not start well and was led 3-5. However, she did not lose her spirit. Len gradually exploited the opening when the opponent was too eager to attack, leading 10-6 and then won spectacularly.

Tran Thi Len's "bumper crop" smile. Photo: Huu Nhon.

"This is a very meaningful victory for me. This could be the last SEA Games I will participate in, against an opponent I have never won against before," Len shared with VnExpress. "I want to dedicate this precious medal to my little son."

In the men's singles final of the sword event, Minh Quang chose his signature defensive counter-attacking style against Panchan Nontapat. With his flexible movements, he continuously led the points. From 3-2 to 6-4. However, towards the end, the Vietnamese swordsman could no longer maintain his accuracy and allowed his opponent, with nothing left to lose, to attack overwhelmingly and continuously score points.

Minh Quang's sadness. Photo: Huu Nhon.

From the moment he was behind 10-7, Minh Quang never had a chance to take the lead even though he had evened the score to 10-10. In the end, he lost 11-15.

However, this is still an unexpected result. Men's fencing is not Vietnam's strong point, especially for a 17-year-old athlete like Minh Quang.

Fencing contributed a total of four gold medals and one silver medal for Vietnam after two days of competition. Photo: Duc Dong.

According to VNE