World number one Sofya Velikaya will aim to demonstrate why she is favourite for gold at the Rio 2016 Olympics at this weekend’s sabre fencing Grand Prix in Moscow, Russia.
The Olympic test event ahead of the fencing competitions at the Rio 2016 Games has been heralded a great success after the staging of two successful events.
Russia followed up their success in the women’s foil competition at the Team World Championships in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, by also claiming gold in the men’s team sabre.
Russia defeated Italy to claim the gold medal in women’s foil competition at the team World Championships in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and denied fencing legend Valentina Vezzali a 17th world title on what was to be her farewell appearance in the sport.