Fencing: Romania's women sword team wins gold in European Championships in Montreux

Romania's sabre team took the first place in the European Fencing Championships held in Montreux, Switzerland, on Tuesday, after defeating in the final the Estonian team by 45-35.

Ana-Maria Branza, Simona Pop and Simona Gherman (as well as reserve Loredana Dinu) have, thus, kept in Romania the title gained by Romania in the edition of last year (against Russia) held in Strasbourg. The tricolours have also exacted their revenge after being defeated by Estonia in 2013 in the European Championship held in Zagreb, Croatia, losing at that time the gold medal.

In the final, Ana-Maria Branza spearheaded the attack, defeating Irina Embrich by 5-4. Simona Pop consolidated Romania's advantage in the match against Julia Beljajeva (7-4), while Branza managed to keep the lead after her square off with Erika Kirpu (12-9). Simona Gherman put Romania in a comfortable lead after her match with Beljajeva, 16-10, but the Estonians were once again hopeful after Pop let Embrich put Estonia in a position to challenge the match, the Estonians finishing the match 24-21 after Simona had led 23-16 at one point. Ana Maria Branza categorically disposed of Beljajeva and then returned Romania's lead at 27-22. The next to last assault was barely won by Pop in her match with Kirpu (6-5) leaving Romania in the lead, 33-27. Simona Gherman took all hope from Irina Embrich in the final match, and Romania won 45-35.

In the quarterfinals, Romania beat Ukraine by 31-25, while in the semifinals Romania disposed of Sweden 45-42.

The bronze medals were taken by Italy (Rossella Fiamingo, Bianca Del Carretto, Maria Navarria) who managed to defeat Sweden in the match for third place, final score 45-34.

Romania had one more medal in Montreux, bronze, through Simona Pop, in...