Russia collects fourth fencing gold medal in Rio

Russia defeated Ukraine in the women's sabre team final 45-30, claiming its fourth fencing gold medal of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games here on Saturday.

The Russian sabre team, the world champion in 2015, needed just 4 minutes and 35 seconds to overwhelm 2008 Beijing Olympics team champion Ukraine. The victory also brought a double gold to Russia's Yana Egorian, who won the individual title earlier.

"It's very important that we all won and it's a big effort together when you're fighting personally, you have more time, but here it's just five hits and then off you go, you have to change again," said Sofiya Velikaya, the silver medalist in the women's sabre individual at Rio Olympics.

Only France in 1900 (5) and Italy in 1920 (5) have ever collected more fencing golds in a single edition of the Olympic Games than Russia in 2016 (4). However, Russian men's epee team has the opportunity to tie the record when they compete in the team event on Sunday.

The United States, who lost 42-45 to Russia in the semi-final, beat Italy 45-30 to collect the bronze medal.

"I'm just really happy that we ended today on a win with a really great performance against Italy. We came here for a medal, and I'm glad that we're not going home empty-handed," said Mariel Zagunis, who won a record four Olympic fencing medals for the United States. Endit