Team China secures the gold medal in the team event of FIE Women's Sabre World Cup. The third from the left in the front row is Fu Ying, a national athlete from Rudong. [Photo/WeChat account: rugaofabu]

The FIE Women's Sabre World Cup concluded on March 10 in Heraklion, Greece, with Team China securing the gold medal in the team event. Among the victorious fencers was Fu Ying, a national athlete trained in Rudong county, Nantong. 

The tournament featured 23 teams, with China receiving a bye in the first round. Despite a lower world ranking, the team faced and triumphed over higher-ranked opponents. In the round of 16, China defeated Italy (45-36), the seventh-place team at the Paris Olympics. They continued their impressive run as they overcame reigning Olympic champions Ukraine 45-40 in the quarterfinals and Olympic silver medalist South Korea by the same score in the semifinals. 

In final match against France, the fourth-place team at the Paris Olympics. China trailed 39-40 after eight bouts, however 20-year-old Rao Xueyi delivered a dominant 6-2 performance in the decisive bout, securing a 45-42 victory. This triumph marks a long-awaited return to the top of the World Cup podium for China's women's sabre team.