China's rising star Pan Qimiao, 15, delivered a resilient performance at the FIE Junior and Cadet World Championships in Wuxi, battling illness to claim bronze in the women's individual sabre event. The defending champion, ranked world No. 1 in her category, showcased grit despite a fever during early rounds before narrowly missing the final in a hard-fought 15-9 semifinal loss to the USA's Alexandra Lee.
Pan took an early 3-0 lead against Lee but faced a tactical stalemate after the intermission. A late comeback attempt fell short against the eventual silver medalist, while neutral athlete Aleksandra Mikjailova dominated the final to claim gold.
In the junior men's sabre competition, China's Cui Zhanshuo finished 13th, the highest among Chinese participants, as Italy's Cosimo Bertini secured the title.
The championships highlight Asia's growing prominence in fencing, with Wuxi serving as a focal point for young athletic talent. Results are being closely watched by sports analysts and investors tracking China's strategic investments in youth sports development.
