Jacobson, US Team Win in Algers

{mosimage} The United States Women’s Sabre Team defeated Korea 45-39 to take the gold medal at the Algers Grand Prix. This come from behind victory capped off a successful weekend for the US team as Sada Jacobson also won the individual event.

The Americans were seeded second behind the French, who eventually fell to the Italians in the semi-finals at 37-45. The USA had a facile victory over the Senegalese team (45-15) but ran into a snag with the #7 seeded Polish team, securing the win against silver medalist Socha and company with a narrow two-point margin and a pass to meet Russia in the semis (45-36).

Meeting in front of an azure partition like the backdrop of some Hollywood special effects studio, the US team of Wozniak, Baratta, Jacobson, and Zagunis faced the #5 seed Korea. The Korean team was fresh from defeating Ilaria Bianco and the Italian team in the previous round.

In the final round of bouts, the Americans found themselves behind the Koreans, 25-31, following the opening touch between Wozniak and Kim. Wozniak went on a 9-0 run to tie the match at 34-all and planted the seed of doubt in their Korean opponents. Kim was visibly shaken up and received a yellow card for delay of bout before scoring the final touch of their bout to put Korea up 35-34. Zagunis secured the lead against Lee with four consecutive attacks and a final riposte for 40-38, and Jacobson, the team anchor, ceded only one touch to her opponent before cinching the team win 45-39. The US team was fencing without Rebecca Ward, who did not attend the Algers Grand Prix.

In the individual event, Sada Jacobson defeated Poland’s Alexandra Socha 15-9 to take the gold medal. Mariel Zagunis took 5th after losing 15-14 to Perrus (FRA).