The Hong Kong men’s foil team secured a narrow victory over rivals Japan at the FIE Foil World Cup in Turkey on Sunday.
A 45-43 quarter-final victory in Istanbul ensured that Hong Kong, despite their 45-38 semi-final loss to No. 1 Italy that sent them into the bronze medal match against the United States, slightly increased the points gap between the teams in the world rankings.
With a win in Paris and a second place in Cairo already to their name this season, Hong Kong have 274 points and are in fourth place, behind the United States, France and Italy in first place.
Japan is in fifth place, just six points behind their Asian rivals.
Led by world No. 1 and world champion Ryan Choi Chun-yin, Hong Kong handed youngster Harris Ho Shing-him two of nine matches against Belgium, which they won 45-31 to advance to the quarter-finals.
Teenager Ho, 17, was handed three more fights against Japan, and gave Hong Kong a 35-28 lead with two shots left.
