Russia wins women's foil team gold at Beijing Olympics

Russia wins women's foil team gold at Beijing Olympics

Russia's fencers pose on the podium after winning the gold of Women's Team Foil of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games fencing event in Beijing, China, Aug. 16, 2008.(Xinhua Photo)


Hanna Thompson (R) of the United States competes against Victoria Nikichina of Russia during Women's Team Foil Gold Medal Match of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games fencing event in Beijing, China, Aug. 16, 2008. Russia beat the United States 28-11 and claimed the gold. (Xinhua Photo)


Emily Cross (R) of the United States competes against Victoria Nikichina of Russia during Women's Team Foil Gold Medal Match of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games fencing event in Beijing, China, Aug. 16, 2008. Russia beat the United States 28-11 and claimed the gold.(Xinhua Photo)


Svetlana Boyko of Russia celebrates the victory during Women's Team Foil Gold Medal Match of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games fencing event in Beijing, China, Aug. 16, 2008. Russia beat the United States 28-11 and claimed the gold. (Xinhua Photo)


BEIJING, Aug. 16 (Xinhua) -- Russian women fencers stunned their U.S. rivals 28-11 here Saturday to pocket foil team event gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

The bronze medal went to Italy which defeated Hungary.

The final bout was apparently lop-sided. Russia's Svetlana Boyko alone made 13 hits for the team's victory. On the U.S. side, Emily Cross scored 8 points, and her two teammates shared the rest of 3 points.

"It's Boyko! She made the last points against Italy (in semifinal) and the United States, and she did it very well. She's like a mother for us," said Russia's Nikichina Victoria after the match.

Boyko, the 36-year-old fencer, said she would retire after the Games.

"It was a hard day. We won gold, not against the United States, but against Italy. I waited 16 years and four Olympics for this. It was my last chance, as I'm going to retire," she told reporters.