Israeli Fencers Reach World Championship Semifinals After Two Upsets

Israel's men's épée team reached the World Fencing Championships semifinals in Hong Kong after defeating two higher-ranked opponents. Alon Sarid, Dov Vilensky, Yonatan Cohen and Yonatan Messika edged third-seeded Italy 42-41 in the round of 16, then beat South Korea 43-32 in the quarterfinal. The result secured Israel a place among the final four at the senior world championships. Israel was scheduled to face Ukraine next, with a medal available through either the final or bronze-medal match.