SEA Games Fencing: Women’s Epee team settle for bronze after close 28–29 loss to Philippines

OCBC Arena, Sunday, June 7, 2015 — The Singapore team comprising of fencers Cheryl Lim, Elizabeth Ann Lim, Victoria Ann Lim and Rania Herlina Rahardja concluded their Women’s Team Epee event with a bronze after losing 28-29 to strong rivals Philippines in the semi-finals at the 28th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

Singapore gained a slim margin of one point with Cheryl opening the match, but the lead slipped out of their grasp when teammate Victoria stepped up for the next bout, which in turn allowed the Philippine advantage to gradually widen in the third to 15–11.

However, it was Victoria and Cheryl who managed to narrow the margin midway through the match. Play continued to be point-for-point until Singapore’s Rania executed a momentary score equalizer in the sixth match.

This gave the hosts added confidence as they managed to stay level with their rivals in the seventh and eight matches.

Entering the final bout at 26–26, it was yet again neck-and-neck as both fencers took turns to add to the score. However, a consecutive attack by Harlene Raguin in the dying minutes proved too difficult for the Singapore women to overcome and as a result, dealt them a loss which knocked them out of the competition.

Joining them as bronze medalists are Indonesia, which lost 38–34 in their semi-final against Vietnam.

Winners Vietnam and Philippines will now move on to the gold medal face-off that will take place later today, June 7, 6.45 p.m. at the OCBC Arena.

Women’s Team Epee Results
Philippines vs Singapore
1st match 4–5
2nd match 5–2 (9–7)
3rd match 6–4 (15–11)
4th match 1–3 (16–14)
5th match 5–4 (21–19)
6th match 4–5 (25–24)
7th match 1–2 (26–26)
8th match 0–0 (26–26)
9th match 3–2 (29–28)