Action began today at the World Fencing Championships in Budapest ©FIE/Twitter

Leading athletes in the men’s sabre and women epée events learned who they would face in the last 64 as action began today at the World Fencing Championships in Budapest.

Men’s sabre top seed Eli Dershwitz of the United States will go up against Singapore’s Choy Yu Yong, who sealed his place in the main draw with a 15-14 win over Britain’s James Honeybone at the SYMA Sports and Conference Centre.

He had earlier progressed from Pool 17 before beating Uzbekistan’s Bobirjon Rasulov 15-13.

Standing between second seed Oh Sang-uk of South Korea and a place in the last 32 is Spain’s Guillermo Mancheno after he also came through qualification today.

Singapore's Choy Yu Yong sealed his place in the last 64 of the men's sabre draw by beating Britain's James Honeybone ©#BizziTeam/FIE/Facebook
Singapore's Choy Yu Yong sealed his place in the last 64 of the men's sabre draw by beating Britain's James Honeybone ©#BizziTeam/FIE/Facebook

In the women’s épée event, Thailand’s Kanyapat Meechai has earned a clash with world number one and defending champion Mara Navarria of Italy. 

Venezuela’s Lizzie Asis, meanwhile, will meet Romania's world number two Ana Maria Popescu.

The final round of both events is due to take place on Thursday (July 18).

Action is scheduled to continue tomorrow with qualification in the men’s epée and women’s foil competitions.