(Beijing, April 18) The "Good Luck Beijing" 2008 FIE World Championships opened at the Fencing Hall of the National Convention Centre on April 18 with the men's team foil quarterfinals. As a result, Athens Olympic bronze medalists Russia outdid Japan 45-39 to enter the semifinals.

Russia opened the quarterfinal match with a 12-10 lead after the first three rounds, but Japan's Chida Kenta, the fourth fencer to take the piste, narrowed the deficit to 13-14. Chida's teammate Ota Yuki, 2006 Asian Games champion, put up a close fight against Russia's Igor Gridnev, however, after a 5-5 run, Russia was still one hit ahead, 19-18.

The two sides then took turns to launch attacks until the eighth round when Russia ended the seesaw battle with 33-28. In the last round between the mainstays of the two teams, Russia continued to show his technical superiority and finished the match 45-39, thus earning a berth in the semifinals.