TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's men's epee team suffered a heartbreaking 45-44 defeat to Japan in the quarterfinals at the Rhein-Ruhr World University Games Tuesday (July 22). The team held the lead throughout most of the match before losing in the final bout. Chen Yi-tung (陳弈通), Hsu Sheng-hung (許勝閎), and Chen Chih-chieh (陳致傑) later rebounded to secure seventh place by defeating France.
Taiwan dominated the early stages of the quarterfinal, with Chen Chih-chieh establishing a commanding 5-0 lead against Japan. The team maintained their advantage through the sixth bout, holding a substantial 30-22 lead. Japan gradually closed the gap to 35-32 by the seventh bout before dramatically overtaking Taiwan in the final moments.
Taiwan had achieved its first-ever team bronze medal at the Asian Championships in June, featuring Kuo Chun-yu (郭均祐) alongside the current squad members. The team advanced through the World University Games by defeating Great Britain 45-33 in the round of 16. Taiwan had received a bye in the opening round of the tournament.
Chen Chih-chieh reflected post-match that the team felt in control but succumbed to nerves due to their strong desire to win. Taiwan subsequently lost to Germany 45-37 in the placement matches before rebounding against France. The team secured their seventh-place finish by defeating France 45-33 in the final placement round. ◼
