(LEAD) (Universiade) Song Jong-hun wins gold in men's sabre fencing

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GWANGJU, July 4 (Yonhap) -- South Korean fencer Song Jong-hun captured gold in men's sabre at the Summer Universiade on Saturday.

Song defeated Dmitry Danilenko of Russia 15-12 for the title at Kim Dae Jung Convention Center in Gwangju. This was South Korea's second gold medal of the day, and first in fencing.

Song opened a 5-1 lead early but Danilenko refused to back down, trailing only 7-6 and then 9-8.

With his parents and grandmother watching from the stands, Song reached back and finished off the Russian with an array of attacks.

This was the first Universiade title for the Gwangju native.

"It's a great honor to do so well in my hometown," the 21-year-old said. "I will try to win the team gold medal on Tuesday."

Asked if he was looking ahead to the Rio Summer Games next year, Song said he might have to wait a few more years for his shot at Olympic glory.

"We have so many talented veterans and I won't even make the national team," Song said of the sabre squad that won the team gold medal in 2012, led by world No. 1 Gu Bon-gil. "I hope to keep improving and win a medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics."

A college senior, Song said he thought about quitting fencing after his sophomore year before regaining his old form as a junior.

"I am glad I didn't quit and kept on going," Song said with a smile.

jeeho@yna.co.kr
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