Feb. 21, 2011
ORLEANS, France – Former Notre Dame women’s fencer Mariel Zagunis (Beaverton, Ore.) captured gold at the Grand Prix in Orleans, France this past Saturday (Feb. 12).
Zagunis, the top-ranked sabre fencer in the world, advanced into the quarterfinals with three convincing wins, defeating Dina Galiakbarova of Russia, 15-4, in the round of 64, Chrystall Nicoll of Great Britain, 15-11, and 2007 World Championship medalist Bogna Jozwiak of Poland, 15-7.
Russia’s Julia Gavrilova, who ranked seventh in the world, was matched-up with Zagunis in quarterfinal action and turned out to be the closest bought for Zagunis, a 15-12 win. She had little trouble in her semifinal bought versus two-time World Championship medalist and third ranked Sophia Valikaia of Russia, defeating her 15-5.
In front of a crowd of nearly 5,000 spectators, Zagunis won the gold, 15-4 over Cecilia Berder of France, who upset the second ranked Olga Kharlan of Ukraine in second round action. With the win, the two-time Olympic Champion extended her gold medal streak to four tournaments (Grand Prix, World Championships, Pan-American Games and New York World Cup in 2010).
The Grand Prix in Orleans was the first competition of the new year and first since winning her fourth World Championship this past November in Paris, France.
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