More than 300 athletes from at least 30 nations are expected to participate at the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center, where fencing competition during the Los Angeles 1984 Olympic Games took place.

The entries for the event include Olympic and world gold medallist Arianna Errigo of Italy, currently ranked first in the world in women’s foil, and home favourite Lee Kiefer, who is ranked second.

Two other Olympians leading the American women's line-up along with Kiefer are Nicole Ross and 2015 world bronze medallist Nzingha Prescod, who will be competing in her first event since Rio 2016.

On the men’s side, world number two Timur Safin of Russia is likely to provide stiff opposition for top-ranked Alexander Massialas, who will be fencing in his home state.

The US men's team also includes Gerek Meinhardt, Race Imboden and Miles Chamley-Watson, all of whom were part of their country’s bronze medal-winning team at Rio 2016 along with Massialas.

Action is due to begin tomorrow with the men’s and women’s pools and preliminary rounds.

The knockout rounds are scheduled for Saturday (March 18), culminating in the finals.

Los Angeles is bidding to host the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with Paris also in contention. 

A decision is set to be made by the International Olympic Committee at their Session in Lima on September 13.