Wheelchair fencer Ye wins last gold for China at Paralympics

Source: | 09-17-2008 18:52

BEIJING, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- Wheelchair fencer Ye Ruyi won the last gold medal for Chinese delegation at Beijing Paralympic Games as he beat his compatriot Tian Jianquan in the men's individual sabre Category A final.

China stayed on top of the medal standings with 13 medals, including six gold, six silvers and one bronze. Chinese Hong Kong followed with three golds, two silvers and two bronzes. France booked the third place with one gold and one silver.

In the men's individual sabre Category A final, Ye Ruiyi, winner in the men's foil Category A, beat his compatriot Tian 15-14, also the winner in the men's epee Category A, to added a second gold in his pocket.

"I was not aggressive enough at first, and I lost control of the situation. Then I decided that I need to regain initiative and get rid of my apprehensions. After that I played much more decisively, and the effect was obvious." Ye said.

"It's a great honour to win the last gold for China. I'm so happy to have helped my homeland laugh to the last. China has done an amazing job at home at these Paralympic Games," he added.

"Actually I feel a bit loss that the Paralympics are over. I will be unaccustomed to the following couple of days without training and matches."

The 21-year-old Ye, world No. 7 in sabre Category A and a bronze medal winner at the 2007 World Cup, started the final slowly as he trailed Tian 3-8, but made strong recovery as he tied Tian at 12-12 with a striking confidence and style.

Tian, only 18-year-old, tried to resist Ye's challenge and tied him at 14-14, but let the victory slip away when Ye finished the competition with his last winning thrust.