(LEAD) (Asiad) S. Korea again sweeps fencing golds

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GOYANG, South Korea, Sept. 21 (Yonhap) -- South Korea swept up two fencing gold medals for the second consecutive day at the Asian Games on Sunday, putting its dominance in the sport on full display before opponents.

Gu Bon-gil won the gold medal in the men's individual sabre fencing, defeating compatriot Kim Jung-hwan in his successful Asiad title defense. Gu edged out Kim 15-13 in the seesaw affair of a gold medal bout. It was the third South Korean showdown for a fencing title in two days.

Earlier Sunday, Jeon Hee-sook won the women's individual foil gold medal over Le Huilin of China 15-6.

South Korea is enjoying a fencing renaissance of sorts. It swept up nine gold medals, including all six individual titles, at this year's Asian championships held on home soil. At the 2012 London Games, it captured six medals, its best-ever Olympic performance.

En route to the final, Jeon upset teammate Nam Hyun-hee in the semis. Nam was the two-time Asiad champ and was primed for her third straight title, but Jeon beat her 15-7.

Jeon had long played second fiddle to Nam, who is one of the most decorated South Korean fencers ever. Jeon said the gold medal Sunday felt extra sweet because she finally defeated Nam on an international stage.

"I've won some practice bouts against her, but people have always called me No. 2," said Jeon, who'd lost to Nam in the semis at the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games. "She's such a great fencer and I was nervous at the start of our match."

Jeon opened an early 6-2 lead, but then Nam scored three straight points. This was when Jeon dug deep and found more strength for the one final push.

"I didn't want to be called No. 2 again, and so I tried to stay calm," she said. "The memories of Gungzhou gave me a start."

Jeon said her goal is to win the team foil medal in Incheon and then grab her first Olympic gold in two years' time in Rio de Janeiro.

jeeho@yna.co.kr
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