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A description of fencing

One of the four sports featured in every Olympic Games since 1896, fencing is the modern manifestation of an ancient form of combat, practiced indoors.

Two competitors meet on a 14m stage using either the foil, epee or sabre. The individual competition comprises a dual with direct elimination (as of the final 32 competitors), the winner being the first to score 15 touches. If, at the 9-minute mark, no-one has attained 15 touches, the fencer with the most touches is declared winner.

The team competition, also by direct elimination, is conducted on a relay basis with three fencers trying to attain 45 touches to win the bout. Each assault may last a total of three minutes. Three types of blades are used: epee (solid, triangular blade), foil (flexible, rectangular blade), sabre (flexible, triangular blade). - (AFP)

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