The Olympic fencing venue, the Carioca Arena 3 in Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, opened its doors for the first time for the official test event in late April. The event comprised the Rio stage of the Fencing Grand Prix in epee, and the World Championships for men’s team sabre and women’s team foil.

It was the last of three epee Grand Prix events this season, with the other two contested in Budapest in March and Doha before that in December. Tatiana Logunova upset world No.1 Xu Anqi to win the women’s individual gold. It was a first Grand Prix title this season for the experienced Russian, a two-time Olympic team gold medalist who had to settle for bronze in Qatar and Hungary.

“I’m very happy and I hope to see you again in Rio at the Olympic Games,” said the 35-year-old Logunova. “My coach said if you are not sure what to do, stay passive, and get your touches that way.”

Ukraine’s world No. 15 Bogdan Nikishin won the men’s title, defeating Benjamin Steffen of Switzerland 15-13 in a pulsating final. The veteran Nikishin, who was on the gold-winning Ukrainian team at last year’s World Championships in Moscow, nearly gave up a three-point lead but held his nerve for the title.