They do not let go of their crown. Three years after their title in Budapest (Hungary), the French swordsmen retained the world team gold, this Friday in Cairo (Egypt), by dominating the Italians in the final (45-42). If Yannick Borel and Alexandre Bardenet were already in the winning group in 2019, Alex Fava and Romain Cannone won their first collective world title. The Olympic champion, already crowned individually on Tuesday, signs an impressive double.
After dismissing Hungary in the semi-finals (45-37), the Blues found the Italian European champions in the final, who had eliminated them with a touch in the semi-finals in Antalya (Turkey). While none of the first seven stints allowed one of the two teams to make the difference, Alexandre Bardenet managed to give Yannick Borel a three-touch lead before the final stint (35-32). The world number 2 did not fail in his mission and released the French clan (45-42).
The Blues had not won on the international scene since November 2019
With this victory, Hugues Obry’s men allow France to continue their incredible raid at the top of the specialty, with an eleventh coronation in the last twenty years. The Blues also put an end to a series of nine international outings without finding the path to success, they who had not won since November 2019.
Earlier in the day, the foil fencers had won the bronze medal after their victory in the small final against Japan (40-34). With these two new podiums, the French team now has six medals (including four titles). On Saturday, the sabers and the foil fencers will try to conclude these already successful Worlds with two new medals.