Chen Chih-chieh wins men's fencing title at Singapore tourney

New Taipei, Oct. 11 (CNA) Taiwanese fencer Chen Chih-chieh (陳致傑) secured a narrow victory at the Singapore Foil Satellite tournament on Saturday to take the men's championship title.

The 24-year-old Chen defeated Singaporean Tan Raphael Juan Kang (陳元康) 15-14 in a thrilling final, kicking off the new season on a high note.

Returning to international competition after a two-month break, Chen advanced through the group stage and elimination rounds to reach the final.

Speaking to CNA after the match, the Taiwanese fencer said it had been some time since his last competition and the goal was to use the event as an opportunity to gradually regain his feel for the sport.

"I approached the tournament with a relaxed mindset, focusing on finding my rhythm and timing," Chen said.

The two-day Singapore Foil Satellite event is being held at the OCBC Arena until Sunday.

Chen will return to Taiwan to prepare for the National Games, which are being held in Yunlin County from Oct. 18-23, where he aims to defend the men's foil title. His ultimate goal is to qualify for the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya and win Taiwan's first-ever fencing medal at the event.