Nagy retain epee title

Hungarian Timea Nagy retained the Olympic women's epee fencing title on Sunday with a 15-10 win over the 1996 champion Laura Flessel-Colovic of France.

Maureen Nisima of France won the bronze medal by beating another Hungarian, Ildiko Mincza-Nebald 15-11.

Nagy, gold medallist in Sydney four years ago, has struggled to climb the rankings since taking an 18-month sabbatical because of the birth of her second child.

She entered the competition as 22nd seed but worked her way steadily through to the final.

"I am really happy," said Nagy. "Before the final I was afraid because I have fenced once before against Laura and I lost. But I played very well tonight."

In spite of losing the first point, Nagy quickly gained control and opened up a three-point lead at 7-4.

From then on her French opponent never got within two points of her and Nagy ended the bout in convincing fashion.

Filed by James Boylan