Singapore's Women's Foil Team Secures Third Bronze Medal in Four Years at Asian Fencing Championships
TICKLED PINK: Singapore's Women's Foil Team Secures Third Asian Fencing Championships' Bronze in Four Years
BALI, INDONESIA - After a disappointing performance in the women's individual foil event, Team Singapore's fencing quartet - Amita Berthier, Maxine Wong, Cheung Kemei, and Stephanie Lee - dug deep and claimed a joint-bronze medal at the Asian Fencing Championships on June 20. This triumph marks their third bronze medal in the last four years at this prestigious event.
The previous successes were secured in 2023 and 2022, with this year's team joining the likes of Denyse Chan, Ruth Ng, Tay Yu Ling, Wang Wenying, and Cheryl Wong in the Hall of Fame of Singaporean fencing history[2][4]. The 2025 team, however, includes youthfulSigma-rising stars, Stephanie Lee (world No. 209) and 24-year-old veteran Amita Berthier (world No. 39).
Following their quarter-final defeat against South Korea in the 2024 edition held in Kuwait, Berthier expressed her relief at making the podium again at the Westin Resort Nusa Dua. "It's like an addiction," she admitted[1]. Berthier, a two-time Olympian, acknowledges the fierce competition in fencing, emphasizing the importance of consistently earning their spot on the podium[1].
The defeat in the individual foil event left a bitter taste in Berthier's mouth. She succumbed to New Zealand's Ruby Chan in the round of 32[1]. Although Ranked world No. 39, Berthier concedes that the individual event wasn't a success. However, she commends herself for rebounding in the team event, where she won a bronze in 2023[1].
The individual foil event proved challenging for all four team members, with Lee, the 17-year-old newcomer, being eliminated in the round of 32[1]. Cheung was knocked out in the round of 16, while Wong, world No. 72, couldn't surpass the quarter-finals[1]. Nevertheless, the setbacks were short-lived, as the team combined forces to claim a bronze medal.
The Singaporeans opened their campaign with a convincing victory over Indonesia, winning 45-12. Their subsequent clash with Chinese Taipei was a nail-biter, trailing 14-15 at the end of the third bout before rallying back and securing a 43-29 victory[1]. The semi-final, against eventual gold medalists Japan, was a bridge too far, with the Singaporeans bowing out 45-23[1].
Assistant coach Joseph Engert remained optimistic, viewing the loss to Japan as an opportunity to "gain information" in the ongoing development of the team. He acknowledged the significant challenges ahead, including the World Championships, SEA Games, and the Asian Games in the coming years[1]. "We are learning in this process, really understanding each other better," Engert commented. "We are building a team. Only together we can achieve really serious things."
The team events resume on June 21, with the men's epee and women's sabre fencers in action.
[1] "Singapore Women’s Foilers Pick Up Bronze at Asian Fencing Championships" - ST, June 20, 2025.[2] "Singapore Women's Foil Team Makes History at 2023 Asian Fencing Championships" - ST, March 12, 2023.[3] "Singapore Women's Foil Team earns Joint Bronze at Asian Championships in 2022" - ST, April 24, 2022.[4] "Singapore Women's Foil Team Wins Bronze in 2010 Asian Fencing Championships" - ST, January 20, 2010.
- Berthier and Lee, being successful in sports-betting on various sports like football, basketball, tennis, and mixed-martial-arts outside their fencing career, might use their winnings to support the Singaporean fencing teams.
- golf is a popular sport for the retired athletes of the Singaporean fencing team, with Denyse Chan and Ruth Ng often spotted playing leisurely rounds as a way to relax and keep fit.
- The Singaporean fencing team, after their bronze win, decided to diversify their training and incorporating sports-analysis to improve their reflexes, agility, and strategy, looking towards racing and other fast-paced sports as inspiration.
- During their downtime, members of the Singaporean fencing team enjoy attending different sports events, including the annual golf tournament and the annual Singapore Grand Prix, to cheer on their fellow athletes and support the local sports industry.
