Tagliariol gives Italy a fencing gold

Matteo Tagliariol of Italy won the gold medal in men's epee, beating Fabrice Jeannet of France 15-9.

Matteo Tagliariol of Italy won the gold medal in men's epee today, beating Fabrice Jeannet of France 15-9. The final pitted representatives from two of the world's top fencing nations. Tagliariol took control with an early six-point run to lead 8-3, and never looked back. Jeannet, who plans to retire after the games, did not conceal his disappointment at walking away with the silver. "The silver medal is synonymous with defeat and I don't like defeat," he said. Jose Luis Abajo of Spain took the bronze. Tagliariol won Italy's first gold medal of the Beijing Olympics to give his country's fencing fans something to cheer about. Andrea Baldini, Italy's men's foil star, lost his spot on the Olympic team because of a positive test for a banned substance. Italy has a chance to add another gold in fencing Monday in the women's individual foil. The top three seeded athletes in that event are all Italian. *AP