Thanh Hà
Vietnamese fencer Bùi Thị Thu Hà came from behind to win gold in women's sabre while Tian Wei Jonathan Au Eong of Singapore championed the men's foil event at the SEA Games in Hà Nội on May 15.

Hà came from behind to beat Singapore Ong Shu Hui Jessica 15-11 in the thrilling final match to take the first individual title of her career.

Ong took lead from the beginning the match, opening massive attacks on the host athlete and creating a gap of points between the two fencers.

However, Hà step-by-step gained points and eventually overcame Ong.

"I am happy because it is my first individual SEA Games title. I had to work and play hard to earn it. My rivals were really strong. I want to give it to all of my coaches, teammates and supporters," said Hà, who returned to training just eight months ago after maternity leave.

Kar Yi Jolie Lee of Singapore and Phùng Thị Khánh Linh of Việt Nam secured bronzes.

Hà's title was the third for Vietnamese fencing.

Earlier, Vũ Thành An and Nguyễn Tiến Nhật won in the men's sabre and epee, respectively.

Speaking to the media, Việt Nam head coach Phạm Anh Tuấn said with his athletes' abilities the host fencer can take five golds, one more than their target.

Later, Eong beat Nathaniel Perez Mangubat from the Philippines in the men's foil.

Hans Wei Shen Yoong of Malaysia and Nguyễn Quang Minh came third.

Athletes will compete in the men's team events in sabre, epee and foil next. VNS