Russia won the men’s team sabre event ©FIE/Facebook/Augusto Bizzi

Russia experienced differing fortunes once more on the final day of action at the European Fencing Championships in Tbilisi, beating Italy in the men's team sabre event but losing to France in the women’s team epee competition.

Having defeated Hungary 45-39 in the semi-finals, Russia's men's sabre team narrowly overcame Italy 45-41 to secure top honours at the Georgian capital's Gymnastic Arena.

Hungary went on to win 45-28 in the bronze medal match against Germany, who were beaten 45-39 by Italy in the other last-four encounter.

The women’s team epee final saw France edge Russia 42-41 following a 45-30 victory over Estonia in the penultimate round.

Estonia lost the bronze medal match with a 45-38 defeat at the hands of Romania, who fell to a 45-41 loss against Russia in the semi-finals.

Russia were beaten by France in the women's team epee final ©FIE/Facebook/Augusto Bizzi
Russia were beaten by France in the women's team epee final ©FIE/Facebook/Augusto Bizzi

Russia also had indifferent results in their two finals yesterday, when they beat Ukraine in the men's team epee event but lost to Italy in the women's team foil competition. 

The event in Tbilisi offered fencers a final chance to hone their preparations before the World Championships in Leipzig.

Competition in the German city is scheduled to run from July 19 to 26.