Fencer Ryan Choi has made history by winning Hong Kong, China's first-ever gold medal at the Fencing World Championships.

The 27-year-old beat his opponent from Russia, Kirill Borodachev, 15-9 in the men's foil final in Tbilisi, Georgia.

That marked a milestone for the SAR, as world Choi became the first athlete from Hong Kong to strike gold at the annual fencing tournament.

Fellow foil fencer Edgar Cheung, and former teammate Vivian Kong each have two bronze medals from past editions.

The win continues a red-hot streak for Choi in recent months. He already clinched the Asian title at the Shanghai Foil Grand Prix back in May, and a maiden Asian Fencing Championships gold last month.

"My goal today was to not lose the first match, and I won. I can’t believe it," Choi told the International Fencing Federation's website.

"I didn't put pressure on myself today. I thought it would be good practice so that I can be ready and win next year at home," he added, referring to the tournament which will be staged in Hong Kong next year.

"I thought my most difficult match would be against Guillaume Bianchi, but in the end it was against Filippo Macchi. We ended with 14-14, I massaged my face and told myself I could do it, and I did."

Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law congratulated Choi on winning the gold medal.

"Ryan made impressive performance in the competition, demonstrating Hong Kong athletes' charm and perseverance," she said in a statement.

"I hope the Hong Kong China fencing team will continue to strive for excellence. I have faith in them to perform spectacularly again in the 15th National Games to be held in November."

World number one Edgar Cheung, meanwhile, stumbled out of the competition in the round of 64, falling to Belgium's Stef Van Campenhout 12-15.

In the women's epee, reigning World University Games gold medallist Kaylin Hsieh was knocked out in the last 32 by Canada's Ruien Xiao, while Moonie Chu was eliminated at the same stage by Korean world number one Sera Song.
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Last updated: 2024-07-24 HKT 08:00