Bhavani Devi loses in Asian Games quarterfinals, questions referee’s calls in loss to Chinese fencer

Bhavani Devi impressively won five matches to reach the knockout stages of the women's sabre individual fencing event, but was defeated by Yaqi Shao 15-7. She questioned some of the referee's decisions, but admitted she needs to work on her speed and distance with different opponents. She also acknowledged that she let the decisions affect her concentration, something she will work on in future competitions.

Bhavani Devi registered an impressive series of five wins in the morning to enter the knockout stages of the women’s sabre individual fencing event before bowing out to local favourite Yaqi Shao 15-7 in the quarterfinals. The Chinese, who has also been a training partner for Bhavani, won 15-7, racing to a 7-2 lead in the first period even before Bhavani could find her footing. She questioned some of the early decisions from the referee, even challenging them early on.

“The one thing I have learnt is that I need to work on my speed and distance with different opponents, but admitted that she let the decisions affect her concentration, something she would work on in the coming competitions,” Bhavani said.