The men's team épéé was won by three different teams at the last three world championships: France in 2014, Hungary in 2013 and United States in 2012. Four different teams can win it in four successive editions for the first time since 1995-1999 (Germany, Cuba, Hungary and France).
At the 2014 world championships in Kazan, France won a record 18th gold medal in men's team épée. Italy (11 gold medals), Hungary (7) and Soviet Union (7) follow. Eight of France's gold medals in this event have been won since the start of this century. Hungary (2), United States and Russia are the only other teams to win the men's team épée in this time span. Ulrich Robeiri (FRA) can win the men's team épée for a record-equalling seventh time. Robeiri's teammate Gauthier Grumier (FRA) has won this event five times.
Italy have won a second-best 11 gold medals in men's team épée but have not won this event in over 20 years (17 world championships). Since their last win in 1993, they only claimed a silver medal in 2007 and a bronze medal in 1997. Italy have had one longer stint without a gold medal in men's team épée, failing to win this event at 22 consecutive world championships between 1959-1987.
Korea enjoyed their best ever result in men's team épée at the 2014 world championships in Kazan, finishing second. They had claimed the bronze medal in this event in 1994 and 2002. Coming into Moscow 2015 Korea had won one team event at the world championships, winning the gold medal in women's team foil in 2005.
Switzerland have claimed three silver and five bronze medals in men's team épée, but are yet to win a gold. No other team has won more than three medals without ever winning the gold medal. Switzerland took the bronze medal in this event in both 2011 and 2014.
Hungary and Soviet Union are tied on seven wins in men's team épée. Only France (18) and Italy (11) have won it more often.
Women’s Team Épée
Hungary have won this event a record eight times at the world championships, but not since 2002. Their last podium finish stems from 2005 when they lost the final to France.
Russia are aiming to win the world title for a third year in a row after prevailing in 2013 and 2014. Only once a country won the women's team épée world title three years in a row: Hungary in 1991, 1992 and 1993.
Russia can win the title on home soil for the second time after winning last year in Kazan. The only other team with a world title in this event as a host is Hungary (1991, Budapest).
China can become the third country to win the gold medal at the world championships as reigning Olympic champions. France won Olympic gold in 1996 and the world title in 1998. Russia achieved this feat in 2000 (Olympic Games) and 2001 (world championships). China are the only non-European team with a gold medal in this event at the world championships after beating France in the 2006 final.
The Italian women are currently ranked number one in the world and are eyeing their third major win at an international tournament in this event after their world title in 2009 and European title in 2007.
All about World Fencing Championships Moscow 2015
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