16. Women's Epee after Havana World Cup

This competition has certainly shaken up the table. A win for Italy moves them into the top-4, and critically they are a massive 54 points ahead of European rivals Estonia. Estonia are happy with Italy in the top-4, as they would take the European place.

Canada had a day of mixed emotions. They beat Brazil in the 32, and also had a great win over Germany to finish 12th. But with the USA missing out on the medals, and dropping out of the 4, they miss out as it stands.

Egypt lost again in the 32, and miss out on my top 16. This gives the bonus place to Ukraine, but bronze medallists France are now only 14 points away.

Two team competitions left, next up is Barcelona in February.

Ana Maria Popescu (ROU) showed us why she’s the highest ranked European outside the teams with a silver medal. Coraline Vitalis (FRA) finished in the 16, but lost some ground to Marie-Florence Candassamy (FRA) who won bronze. France winning team bronze keeps the hope alive that both may be able to go to Tokyo.

Alexandra Ndolo (GER) fenced well, finishing in the top 32, but needs more than that if she’s going to challenge the French.

Sato Nozomi (JPN) caught up to Yoshimura Miho (JPN) with an excellent top 32 result. They’re on the same points – separated by a 5th vs 7th result at zonals. I’m not sure if it could be much closer than that! Importantly, Sato Nozomi only has 4 results, so can freely add one more score.

Not a fantastic weekend for Nathalie Moellhasen (BRA) or Vivian Kong (HKG), but they’re both comfortably top of their respective rankings and will have other chances to win medals. A good weekend for Sara Besbes (TUN), who finished in the top 16.