China's Zhong Man enters men's sabre final [Xinhua]

China's Zhong Man leaped to the final of the men's individual by smashing French Julien Pillet at 15-12 on Tuesday, becoming the first Chinese sabre fencer to enter the gold medal match at Olympics.

Zhong Man took an early lead by 8-4, but was caught up by the 31-year-old Frenchman at 8-8. The fencers were also knotted at 9-9 and 10-10. Zhong Man jumped out to a 15-12 victory against his rival in the end.

Other Chinese sabre fencers including Wang Jingzhi and Zhou Hanmin were knocked out in the round of 32 and 16 respectively.

(Xinhua News Agency August 12, 2008)