(Beijing, April 18) In the men's team foil semifinals of the "Good Luck Beijing" 2008 FIE World Championships today, top-seeded Germany edged Russia 43-41 to set up a final clash against Athens Olympic team champions Italy.

Germany finished the first bout 5-4. In the second and third, Russia fought back vigorously and overtook Germany 15-12. In the fourth round, German veteran Benjamin Kleibrink displayed great strength by fierce attacks and tight defense against Alexey Cheremisinov of Russia, finished the bout 20-16.

In the following bouts the two teams traded the lead, with Germany leading 38-37 after the eighth. In the decisive last round, Germany's Peter Joppich , superior in strength, beat Artem Sedov 6-5 to send Germany into the final by a narrow win of 43-41.