Vivian Kong crowned at FIE Doha épée Grand Prix

World No 1 Hong Kong fencer Vivian Kong Man-wai beat Italy's Giulia Rizzi to claim the women’s individual title at the International Fencing Federation (FIE) Doha Épée Grand Prix in Qatar on Thursday.

The 29-year-old bested Rizzi by a margin of one point in the final, ending their match 14-13. Kong once led by a 5-point margin mid-game.

The Grand Prix medal is Kong’s first gold of the season, also her career second in the Grand Prix series since winning the event in Cali Colombia last year.

The title is also an early birthday present for Kong as she welcomes her 30th birthday next week.

The Hong Kong women’s épée team will then turn their focus on the Barcelona World Cup held from February 9 to 11 to continue earning points toward Olympic qualification.