Russia's women ease to foil gold

Russia's Nikichina fared better in the team event than individually

Russia's fencers used their height advantage to crush the United States 28-11 and take Olympic gold in the women's team foil on Saturday.

Eugenia Lamonova, Victoria Nikichina and Svetlana Boyko outclassed Americans Emily Cross, Hannah Thompson and Erinn Smart through most of the final.

"Russia is such a strong team, they have so much experience," said Smart. "They are tough to hit."

But it was still the first-ever women's foil Olympic medal for the US.

Cannot play media. Sorry, this media is not available in your territory.

Video - Russia's fencers foil the USA

The Americans did manage to draw the top-ranked Russian team into close combat in the early rounds, tying the match 4-4 after three bouts, but after that there was only one team going to win.

Italy, led by three-time individual Olympic champion Valentina Vezzali, defeated Hungary 32-23 to take bronze.

In team fencing, each team fields three fencers who rotate to duel each other over nine rounds.