HÀ NỘI — Olympian Đỗ Thị Anh played a key role in helping Hà Nội win the last gold medal at the National Fencing Championships, which closed in the capital city yesterday.

They triumphed in the women’s team foil event after beating Hải Dương in the final at the Trịnh Hoài Đức Gymnasium.

Hải Dương, with the help of Southeast Asian Games champion Trần Thị Len, took the lead in the early time. However, Anh proved her talent to lift Hà Nội up to win 37-31.

It was Anh’s only gold at the national tournament after her surprising defeat in the individual category to the unknown Phạm Thị Ngọc Luyên of Hải Dương in the final some days ago.

In the men’s sabre, one of two events held on the last day of the competition, Hà Nội, who competed without Olympic athlete Vũ Thành An, lost to Bắc Ninh in the final and received a silver medal.

An was also absent to defend his title in the individual event, which went to Vũ Văn Hùng of Hải Phòng.

After the seven-day championship, Hà Nội took the leading post with five golds. HCM City came second, earning three golds, while Bắc Ninh finished third, taking home two.

The tournament attracted 106 athletes from seven teams, which included Thanh Hóa and People’s Police for the first time.

Fencers competed in 12 categories for both individual and team games. — VNS