Paris 2024 fencing: All results, as Hong Kong, China’s Cheung Ka Long becomes back-to-back Olympic champion in men’s foil individual

In an epic battle for men’s individual foil gold, Hong Kong, China’s reigning Olympic champion, Cheung Ka Long, defended his title by defeating Italy’s Filippo Macchi after a very close match.

At 14-14, the atmosphere inside the iconic Grand Palais became tense, as the match turned to a sudden-death situation between the two as video was reviewed, and judges abstained from awarding the 15th point two times, after there were disputes over who won it.

In the end, it was Ka Long that came out on top to become the third man in history to defend his title in this event.

“It’s insane for me because I try hard every day to fight, to come to Paris, to France, to qualify for the Olympics. And now, another dream has come true,” he said after taking the title for the second time.

Macchi, who is making his Olympic debut in Paris, did not make it easy for the now two-time champion, though, as he took the lead twice, nearly pulling away towards the end with a score of 14-12, but Ka Long came back in the end to take it all.

USA's Nick Itkin took the bronze medal earlier today over Japan's Iimura Kazuki with a final score of 15-12.

He was in awe of the atmosphere at the Grand Palais, saying: “This is the best venue I’ve ever competed in. So much history and the French fans are real fans.

“This is what the sport needs. So thank you so much to the French fans because it’s an honour to be able to compete in front of you.”

Fencing: Men’s foil individual podium

Gold: Cheung Ka Long, Hong Kong, China

Silver: Filippo Macchi, Italy

Bronze: Nick Itkin, USA