1.
SV No. 501 Michele Maffei of Italy (left) in men"s sabre contest versus No. 523, Mikhail Burzev of USSR"
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2.
SCU Burzev walking off
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3.
SV No. 491 Pal Gerevich of Hungary in sabre contest versus No. 522 Viktor Krovopuskov of USSR
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4.
SV Medal winners standing on rostrum, centre Krovopuskov (gold), left Burzev (silver) and right Maffei (bronze)
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Initials BB/1815


SPORT: FENCING

Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: Fencing -- and at the World Fencing Championships in Hamburg, West Germany, the Soviet Union dominated the men's individual Sabre event. Viktor Krovopuskov won the gold medal, with compatriot Mikhail Burzev taking the silver. Italy's Michele Maffei won the bronze medal.

SYNOPSIS: The Italian -- wearing number 501 and fencing on the left -- was hard pushed when he came up against 22-year old Mikhail Burzev of the Soviet Union. The Soviets have dominated the men's sabre over the last few years, and as Burzev demonstrated, they have talented younger swordsmen. His victory over Michele Maffei gave him the silver medal.

Viktor Krovopuskov of the Soviet Union -- wearing number 522 -- is well known in international fencing circles. He won a silver medal at the 1974 World Championships, and the gold in the 1974 Olympics. This victory over Pal Gerevich of Hungary -- who won the competition last year in Buenos Aires -- gave him another gold, and put his opponent in fourth position.

The Soviet Union also won the bronze in the team foils competition.