By Juliette Jabkhiro
PARIS (Reuters) -The United States triumphed in the women’s foil team event, knocking out Italy in a nerve-shredding final bout and snatching the gold medal at the Paris Games on Thursday.
Lee Kiefer, who won individual gold on Sunday, led the U.S. team to their first Olympic title in the event, with a 45-39 win against the world number ones.
First-time Olympian Lauren Scruggs, who won silver in the individual, confirmed her breakthrough status. She scored five touches early on against Italy’s Martina Favaretto, giving her team a comfortable lead. She closed the bout by another decisive five touches.
The United States won the 2018 world championship and a silver medal at the 2008 Games in Beijing.
Japan claimed bronze, beating Canada 33-32 in a tight bout.
(Reporting by Juliette Jabkhiro; Editing by Ed Osmond and Alison Williams)
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