Taiwan’s Chen Chih-chieh yesterday finished fifth in the men’s individual foil at a Fencing World Cup event in Spain, becoming the first Taiwanese to advance to the quarter-finals of an International Fencing Federation (FIE) World Cup competition.
At the Coupe du Monde Ciutat de Palma, the 24-year-old lost to Hungary’s Gergo Szemes, who went on to finish second behind the Czech Republic’s Alexander Choupenitch.
Despite the loss, Chen earned enough points to place fifth overall — the best result ever achieved by a Taiwanese fencer at an FIE World Cup event.
Photo courtesy of the National Game Organizing Committee via CNA
During the Nov. 6-9 tournament, Chen defeated China’s Lyu Weiqiao, South Korea’s Choi Min Seo and Japan’s Kyota Kawamura.
Before the Spanish World Cup event, Chen won the men’s individual title at the Singapore Foil Satellite tournament on Oct. 11. He also helped Taiwan’s men’s foil team win bronze at the Asian Fencing Championships in Bali, Indonesia, on June 11, where he placed fifth individually.
Chen’s coach Chen Po-huai praised the fencer’s performance and expressed confidence that the result would motivate him and his teammates.
Chen Chih-chieh, who was also to compete in the men’s foil team event in Spain, next turns his focus to the FIE Senior World Cup in Fukuoka, Japan, from Dec. 5-7.
The fencer has previously said he aims to qualify for next year’s Asian Games in Nagoya and win Taiwan’s first fencing medal at the event.
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