NEW YORK — The U.S. men's saber team won a World Cup event for the first time Thursday after upsetting No. 1 Russia and France, and then beating Spain in the final at the New York Grand Prix of fencing.
Former world No. 1 Keeth Smart finished off the improbable run by avoiding an attack from Jaime Marti and responding with a quick touch to the Spaniard's midsection to give the Americans a 45-36 win in the final at Hunter College.
"Today has been the greatest day I've had fencing-wise," Smart said. "I was ranked No. 1 in the world last year, it means nothing — it pales in comparison to this."
The Americans reached the semifinals at a World Cup for the first time by stunning powerhouse Russia 45-39. The Russians, who had never lost to the Americans, did not use three-time world champion Stanislav Pozdniakov until the score was 40-30 for the U.S. entering the last encounter.
"They thought they were going to win without Pozdniakov, for sure," U.S. coach Yury Gelman said of the Russian team. "They all are great fencers. They all have won World Cups."
The Americans did not find out about the Russian lineup until moments before their quarterfinal bout, and used Pozdniakov's absence as a motivator.
"Who do they think they are, sitting out their best guy?," said Jason Rogers, describing his pregame thoughts. "It was really nice to take it and give it right back."
In team events, fencers on three-man teams rotate such that they face each opponent once. A fourth fencer starts on the bench and can be brought in to replace a teammate in the rotation. Only one such substitution is allowed. The first team to reach 45 points wins.
The Americans trailed 20-18 against Russia, until Rogers came in for the second time and beat Serguei Charikov 7-3 to give his team a lead it would not relinquish.
"We didn't think we had a shot until Jason Rogers came back up for the second time," Smart said. "Once Jason came back — and he fenced out of his mind today — it was so beautiful to watch."
Smart, a New York native, faced Pozdniakov to finish off the bout. The Russian star scored nine points, but Smart got the five he needed for the win.
Rogers sparked a U.S. rally against No. 4 France in the semifinals, leading the Americans to a 45-41 victory.
The first-place finish will help the U.S. team in the world rankings, used for seeding at the Olympics. The Americans entered the event ranked No. 9, while Spain was No. 11.
The Americans had little trouble with Spain in the final, taking a 15-10 lead following a strong run by Ivan Lee.
A collapse by Lee in the opening round against Poland nearly prevented the magical run from occurring. The Americans led 40-30, but Marcin Koniusz scored 11 straight points against Lee, before the New Yorker recovered to win 45-43.
"My family and my friends see me once a year and I'm going to blow it in front of anyone," Lee said of his thoughts at the end of the Poland bout.
Despite the shaky finish against Poland, Lee performed well throughout the day, spurred on by the hometown crowd.
"It helped big time," Lee said of the supporters. "I was so relaxed because I said, 'even if I lose, they still have my back.' I hope we have all the World Cups in New York."
France defeated Hungary 45-43 to win the bronze medal.