Peter Joppich survived the raucous crowd and a run by James Davis to advance to the top 16 at the Olympics.
Davis had managed to pull within one touch to 10-9 on a riposte, but then Joppich scored twice on remises them closed out the bout 15-10.
Alexander Massialas had an easy time with his opening round match and advanced to the 16 where he will face Cherimisinov (RUS).
Miles Chamley-Watson lost his opening round match to Egypt’s Abouelkassem.