Fencing champion Edgar Cheung won bronze for Hong Kong in the men's individual foil on Sunday — his first ever medal at the National Games.

He bounced back from a disappointing loss in the semi-finals to crush Zeng Zhaoran 15-2 in the bronze medal match.

Cheung had lost the previous bout 9-15, as Fujian's Xu Jie closed out with eight consecutive points.

However, the reigning two-time Olympic gold medallist said getting a medal at Kai Tak Arena was a good start to his fencing season.

"Frankly, I think I did quite well. Because I hadn't competed or practised at all earlier on; I only started practising a month ago to prepare for this tournament," Cheung told RTHK.

"Of course there was a chance for me in the semi-finals, the opponent did very well, but I also didn't execute well enough. It was disappointing. But at the same time, when I think about it, getting this bronze in the new season is like a shot in the arm for me."

Cheung's coach, Greg Koenig, said he was satisfied with the medal but also frustrated with the result.

"Because I think Cheung was in very good shape... but he [managed] to come back for the bronze medal, which is the most important, to go back home with a medal," he said.