Paris (AFP)
French foilers became European vice-champions Friday in Düsseldorf (Germany), bringing the tri-color fencers their eighth medal of the competition (two gold, three silver, three bronze), on the eve of the last day.
Ysaora Thibus, in individual bronze on Tuesday, Pauline Ranvier, Anita Blaze and Solene Butruille lost in the final 45-key to 32 against Russia's reigning Olympic champion Inna Deriglazova.
The girls of the French foil climb for the third time on the second step of the continental podium after 2012 and 2013, but have never managed to win the gold.
They mostly mark important points for qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics, after taking 2nd place in the first selective event in mid-May.
The day did not have at all the same flavor for French swordsmen, since they lost in the 8th finals against Estonia. Yannick Borel, Romain Cannone, Ronan Gustin and Alex Fava had to settle for a disappointing 11th place.
The last day on Saturday will be devoted to team events with the sword in the ladies and saber in the men. Two chances to pass the dozen podiums, a total never reached by France at the European Championships.
? 2019 AFP