Tatiana Gudkova won the women's épée world title ©Getty Images

Russia underlined their status as the world's number one nation with two more gold medals at the International Fencing Federation (FIE) World Championships in Leipzig today. 

Tatiana Gudkova first claimed the biggest victory of her career with a narrow win in the women's épée final at the Arena Leipzig.

The 24-year-old is only ranked 48th in the world and did not make the Russian team for Rio 2016.

But she produced a series of superb performances today culminating in a 10-8 win over Ewa Nelip of Poland in the final.

Olena Kryvytska of Ukraine and Julia Beljajeva of Estonia each took bronze medals on a day of disappointment for the pre-competition favourites.

Hungary's Olympic champion Emese Szász-Kovacs lost in the round of 16 to home favourite Alexandra Ndolo of Germany.

China's Olympic bronze medallist and world number two Sun Yiwen was beaten by Kryvytska at the same stage.

Dmitry Zherebchenko's victory in the men's foil was one of two shock wins for Russia today ©Getty Images
Dmitry Zherebchenko's victory in the men's foil was one of two shock wins for Russia today ©Getty Images

World number 23 Dmitry Zherebchenko produced a second shock and a second Russian win, in the men's foil.

He beat Toshiya Saito of Japan 15-12 in the final.

World number one Daniele Garozzo of Italy had been defeated 15-12 by Saito in the other semi-final.

He had to be content with a share of bronze alongside Takahiro Shikine, also from Japan.