23. Women's Epee after Barcelona

What a day in Barcelona – and sets the season up nicely now that we’ve finished 4 out of the 5 world cups.

Let’s start with the easy stuff. Korea won and are qualified – they cannot be caught by Hong Kong. China are qualified and confirmed in the top 4 – alongside Russia and Poland. Italy and USA are also qualified – they can’t be caught. Congratulations to all 6 teams that we know are qualified.

That leaves 2 spaces. USA had a good day – winning bronze, bringing Canada back into the qualification places. Canada did enough, making the top 16. That final top 4 space is available for two teams: Korea and Italy.

Korea need to finish 1 or 2 to take the place, USA could maintain it by finishing 2 or 4 respectively. Another Asian team in the top 4 would open up the door for Hong Kong.

Italy can overtake the USA by winning in Tashkent. If Italy finish 4/3/2, USA need to finish 6/4/1 to maintain their place. If Italy make the top 4, then Estonia are first in line to take the zonal place, leaving an extra (European) place for the taking.

The Extra Place is now very interesting. Egypt did very well – beating Japan in the 32 and are now only one point away. If they win their first match in Tashkent I think they are qualified. But let’s talk about the scenario if it doesn’t happen and if it goes to a European team.

Even though Ukraine are lower than France, they are better positioned because of their worst place (which was today vs Sweden!). If Ukraine finish first they will overtake Estonia, otherwise if they finish 2/3/4, Estonia need to finish 1/7/9. France need a gold or silver medal to catch Estonia, Estonia can maintain their place with 2nd or 4th respectively.

After a couple of tough competitions, a good result by Vivian Kong 江旻憓 (HKG) showed why she’s the best Asian fencer outside of China. Nathalie Moellhausen (BRA) returned from a hand injury to finish inside the top 16.

Ukraine dropping out of the team place means there is no room for Olena Kryvytska (UKR). She’s 5 points behind Coraline Vitalis (FRA) – plus the 4 points needed to improve her 5th best result.

The biggest move was for the second Asian place. Sato Nozomi (JPN) moved further ahead of Yoshimura Miho (JPN), although the gap is only 4.25 points.

A GP and a World Cup to go. Next stop Budapest!