Women fencers win 1st gold medal for Ukraine at Beijing Olympics

2008-08-14 12:56:21 GMT2008-08-14 20:56:21 (Beijing Time) Xinhua English

Tan Xue (L) of China competes during Women's Team Sabre Final Match between China and Ukraine of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games fencing event at Fencing Hall in Beijing, China, Aug. 14, 2008. Ukraine 45-44 beat China and won the gold medal.(Xinhua Photo)

BEIJING, Aug. 14 (Xinhua) -- Ukraine bettered China 45-44 to win the women's team sabre gold medal at the Olympic Games here on Thursday, the first gold medal at the Beijing games for their country.

The United States downed France 45-38 for the bronze medal.

"Actually we became very relaxed after we defeated Russia, which is our main opponents. We have realized our dream by winning the gold medal. We have made history." said Olena Khomrova of the Ukraine team.

"We lost the game because we were not psychologically-prepared, especially for Tan Xue. Ni Hong did a really good job today." said French coach of the Chinese team Chiristian Bauer.

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