Ukrainian fencer Olga Kharlan defeated reigning Olympic champion Mariel Zagunis of the United States to take bronze in the women’s individual saber Wednesday.
In a battle between two medal favorites, Zagunis started well, but Kharlan took control in the second period, racking up nine points on her way to a 15-10 win.
Zagunis won gold in the individual saber at the last two Olympics, as well as team bronze in Beijing four years ago.
Kharlan, 21, is a three time European individual champion, and has won gold in the team saber at the 2008 Olympics, world championships and European championships.
