The United States’ Lee Kiefer, left of centre, delighted the home crowd at the FIE Foil Grand Prix in Long Beach in California today, clinching the women’s title with victory over Russia’s Marta Martyanova ©FIE/Facebook

The United States' Lee Kiefer delighted the home crowd at the International Fencing Federation (FIE) Foil Grand Prix in Long Beach in California today, clinching the women's title with victory over Russia's Marta Martyanova.

The 22-year-old overcame her opponent 15-4 to claim her second consecutive Grand Prix victory, following success in Italian city Turin in December.

Kiefer, a world bronze medallist in 2011, had earlier beaten Martyanova’s compatriot Inna Deriglazova 15-9 in the semi-finals at the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center. 

Deriglazova, the reigning Olympic champion, was one of the two bronze medallists along with Italy’s Arianna Errigo, who lost 15-12 to Martyanova in the other last-four encounter.

European champion Timur Safin of Russia won the men's event ©FIE/Facebook
European champion Timur Safin of Russia won the men's event ©FIE/Facebook

It was a different story in the men’s event as European champion Timur Safin of Russia secured the gold medal at the expense of the US's Alexander Massialas.

Safin, the Rio 2016 Olympic bronze medallist, beat Massialas, the Rio 2016 Olympic silver medallist, 15-10 in the final.

Olympic champion Daniele Garozzo of Italy lost 15-9 to Massialas in the semi-finals and was joined on the third step of the podium by fellow countryman Giorgio Avola, who fell to a 15-12 loss at the hands of Safin.

The Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center played host to fencing competition during the Los Angeles 1984 Olympic Games.

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.