The Japanese women's sabre team secured its first podium finish at the world championships on Saturday after edging Spain 45-43 in the bronze medal match.
Japan, featuring individual gold medalist Misaki Emura, beat the United States in the quarterfinals before losing to France 45-43 in the semifinals. Hungary beat France in the final.
Shihomi Fukushima, Kanae Kobayashi and Seri Ozaki formed the four-member team for Japan alongside Emura.
"Our aim was the gold medal. We lost in the semifinals but I felt we are good enough to be No. 1 in the world," said Emura, who lost the decisive final ninth match against France in their semifinals but made amends by winning the ninth match against Spain.
"No matter the situation in the bronze medal match I wanted to fence my way and maintain my poise. I'm happy to have won the medal."
In the men's team foil event, Japan was beaten 45-33 by Italy in the semifinals and 45-30 by France in the bronze medal match.
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Fencing: Japan's Misaki Emura wins women's sabre at world championships
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