nYoana Ilieva,Bulgaria’s fencing sensation,has etched her name in history by clinching her first-ever gold medal at the Women’s Sabre World Cup in Plovdiv. The 19-year-old athlete triumphed over Italy’s Chiara Mormille in a nail-biting final, securing a 15:13 victory at the Kolodruma Hall. This monumental win marks the first time a Bulgarian fencer has ascended to the top of the podium in a World Cup event.The final duel was a testament to Ilieva’s resilience. mormille, ranked tenth, initially led 10:8, but Ilieva showcased her unwavering determination, turning the tide to 14:13 before delivering the decisive blow. “I can’t make sense of it yet.I’m very happy. Honestly, I was so concentrated in the game that I can’t believe I was the first to the World Cup,” Ilieva shared in her post-match interview.Her victory was not just a personal milestone but a historic moment for Bulgarian fencing.
Ilieva’s path to gold was nothing short of impressive. She began her campaign with a commanding 15:5 win over China’s Yun Chen, followed by a 15:11 victory against france’s Kelly Lusini. in the semifinals, she dominated Hungary’s Shugar Batay with a 15:8 scoreline. The quarterfinals saw her overpower China’s Sinu Zhang 15:10, and in the battle for the final, she left no room for Greece’s Despina Jogiadu, winning 15:8.
bulgaria’s fencing prowess was further highlighted by olga Cramova, who reached the semifinals. Cramova overcame China’s Yin Fu 15:12 and South Korea’s Haion John 15:14 before falling to Japan’s Juni Kaneko after leading 13:11. The tournament,featuring 175 fencers from 32 countries,including eight of the world’s top 10,was a showcase of elite talent.
The World Cup in Plovdiv continues with team races, where bulgaria’s fencers are expected to shine once again. Ilieva’s triumph has not only elevated her career but also inspired a nation. ”You saw that there was a lot of audience that supported me all the time and was with me. In the last twice I became third, I knew that I could more and felt that Plovdiv woudl be my place,” she reflected.| Key Highlights | Details |
|———————————-|—————————————————————————–|
| Event | Women’s Sabre World Cup, Plovdiv |
| Winner | Yoana Ilieva (Bulgaria) |
| Final Score | 15:13 against Chiara Mormille (Italy) |
| Historic Achievement | First Bulgarian to win gold in a World Cup fencing event |
| othre Bulgarian Performances | Olga Cramova reached the semifinals |
| Tournament scale | 175 fencers from 32 countries, including eight of the world’s top 10 |
Ilieva’s journey from bronze to gold is a story of perseverance and excellence.Her victory in Plovdiv is a beacon of hope for Bulgarian fencing, signaling the dawn of a new era. As the World Cup progresses, all eyes will be on Bulgaria’s fencers, who continue to defy expectations and make their mark on the global stage.
