Action begun today at the FIE Men’s Épée World Cup in Heidenheim in Germany ©Trifiletti - Bizzi/FIE

Top qualifying seed Clement Dorigo of France booked his place in the round-of-64 as action begun today at the International Fencing Federation (FIE) Men's Épée World Cup in Heidenheim in Germany.

Having received a first-round bye, the 21-year-old beat Czech Republic's Richard Pokorny 15-11 at the Congress Centrum.

It sets up a clash with China's Shi Gaofeng, who defeated Switzerland’s Nick Hatz 15-13 and Japan's Satoru Uyama 9-8.

Among the other fencers through to the round-of-64 is second qualifying seed Jakub Jurka of Czech Republic.

China's Shi Gaofeng, left, remains in contention in Germany ©Getty Images
China's Shi Gaofeng, left, remains in contention in Germany ©Getty Images

He also benefited from a first-round bye before overcoming Spain’s Angel Fabregat 15-9.

Action in Heidenheim is due to conclude tomorrow with the top-32 seeded fencers all entering the competition at the round-of-64 stage.

Three other FIE World Cups are scheduled to start tomorrow.

Cuba's capital Havana will play host to a women’s epée event and there will be men’s and women’s foil competitions in Paris and Katowice respectively.