Competition in the International Fencing Federation Grand Prix in Shanghai started today with women's foil action ©Augusto Bizzi/FIE

Female fencers took to the piste on the opening day of the Foil Grand Prix in Shanghai.

Action at the Jing An Gym in the Chinese city today saw the pool stage completed before the first two knock-out rounds took place.

Among those who progressed to the table of 64 was South Korea’s Mina Kim, the top ranked fencer in the round, who had to work hard for victory over China’s Li Xin before eventually prevailing 15-13.

Japan’s Shiho Nishioka was ranked second in the same round and also progressed with a 15-11 victory over Turkey’s Irem Karamete.

Out of the top 10 ranked fencers in the round, only one failed to win their bout.

The last 64 have been decided at the Grand Prix in the women's foil ©Augusto Bizzi/FIE
The last 64 have been decided at the Grand Prix in the women's foil ©Augusto Bizzi/FIE

Seeded eighth, China’s Huo Xingxin was knocked out by Canadian Alanna Goldie during an exciting match which finished 15-14.

Competition in the women’s foil continues tomorrow with the remaining elimination rounds before the final is held in the evening.

Alongside the women, action in the men’s foil will kick-off tomorrow with the pool stage and first two knock-out rounds.

The men’s final is scheduled to take place on Sunday (May 21).