Rio 2016 gold medallist Yana Egorian of Russia will meet the United States' Galen Cadley in the round of 64 at the Cancun Grand Prix ©Getty Images

Action in the International Fencing Federation (FIE) Cancun Sabre Grand Prix got under way today.

The fencers were battling for their opportunity to appear in the round of 64 elimination. due to place tomorrow at the Hotel IBEROSTAR Mayan Paradise in the Mexican city, where the seeds come into the competition.

World number two and 2016 Olympic champion Yana Egorian, from Russia, is the top ranked participant at the Grand Prix and her first fight will be against the United States’ Galen Cadley, who beat Norika Tamura of Japan 15-13 in the preliminary round.

Second seed of South Korea will face Spain’s Sandra Marcos, who overcame Mexican fencer Paola Pliego with ease, winning 15-2.

South Korea's Kim Jiyeon, right, seen here shaking hands with French fencer Cecilia Berder at Rio 2016, is the second highest ranked fighter at the tournament ©Getty Images
South Korea's Kim Jiyeon, right, seen here shaking hands with French fencer Cecilia Berder at Rio 2016, is the second highest ranked fighter at the tournament ©Getty Images

Francesca Russo came through a tough battle in her preliminary match as the American edged out Russia’s Anastasia Bazhenova 15-14 to set up a clash with Hungary’s Anna Marton, the world number six.

Ibithaj Muhammad is the fourth highest ranked player at the tournament and the world number seven’s first opponent in Cancun will be fellow United States fencer Sage Palmedo, who saw off Mexico’s Vanessa Infante 15-8 to reach the last 64.

The round of 64 starts at 9am local time with the semi-finals and final due to begin at 2pm.

Between these two sections, the men’s poules are scheduled to start at 1pm.