Russia’s Violetta Kolobova claimed the women’s individual épée gold medal at the European Fencing Championships in Tbilisi today ©FIE/Facebook/Augusto Bizzi

Russia’s Violetta Kolobova claimed the women’s individual épée gold medal at the European Fencing Championships in Tbilisi today after beating Germany’s Alexandra Ndolo in the final.

Having defeated reigning Olympic champion Emese Szasz-Kovacs of Hungary 15-13 in the semi-final, Kolobova overcame Ndolo 15-10 to seal her success at the Georgian capital’s Gymnastic Arena.

Ndolo had earlier registered a 15-12 win over Estonia’s Julia Beljajeva, who shared the third step of the podium with Szasz-Kovacs.

Also triumphing today was Germany’s Max Hartung in the men’s individual sabre event. 

The 27-year-old beat Hungary’s Aron Szilagyi in the final following a 15-11 victory at the expense of home favourite Sandro Bazadze in the penultimate round.

Germany's Max Hartung beat Hungary's Aron Szilagyi in the men's individual sabre final ©FIE/Facebook/Augusto Bizzi
Germany's Max Hartung beat Hungary's Aron Szilagyi in the men's individual sabre final ©FIE/Facebook/Augusto Bizzi

Joining Bazadze in taking bronze was Italy’s Luca Curatoli, who lost 15-10 in his semi-final encounter with Szilagyi.

Action in Tbilisi is due to continue tomorrow when medals will be awarded in the men's épée and women's foil team events.

The competition is offering fencers a final chance to hone their preparations before the World Championships in Leipzig.

Competition in the German city is scheduled to run from July 19 to 26.