ZAGUNIS WINS FENCING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Mariel Zagunis won the 2009 Fencing World Championships today in Antalya, Turkey. 24 year old Zagunis of Beaverton, Oregon walked away with the title of champion after defeating Olga Kharlan of Ukraine (15-6). Zagunis entertained the crowd with her display of tactical skills and command of the bout for the gold medal. In her bracket on her way, Zagunis easily defeated Vergne of France (15-12) in the semifinal and Olena Khomrova of Ukraine (15-8) in the round of 8. It was otherwise an unfortunate draw for the young American team who all ended up in the same bracket as Zagunis, eliminating each other in today's Direct Elimination rounds.
The title of World Champion is the one title that was missing from Zagunis' career. Having won the Olympic Gold in Athens which was the first USA gold in fencing in 100 years, she went on to win GOLD again in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. She holds titles as U 17 World Champion, two time U 20 World Champion, numerous Junior Team World Champion and two time Senior Team World Champion. Zagunis' best World Championship result prior to today was her silver at the 2005 World Championships in Torino.
Ed Korfanty, Mariel's coach for many years, said "I know how important it was for her to win this title toady. It is rewarding as a coach to see the focused training we did this year come together at the right time for her with such confidence and ease."
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