Mariel Zagunis outpointed American compatriot Sada Jacobson 15-8 to take the women's individual sabre fencing gold medal at the Olympic Games on Saturday.

American Mariel Zagunis celebrates after taking the gold medal of women's individual sabre at Beijing Olympic Games, August 9, 2008. [Photo: Xinhuanet]

Earlier, Becca Ward defeated Russian Sofiya Velikaya 15-14 in the bronze medal battle to ensure a clean sweep of the medals by the American fencers in the event.

It was the second medal sweep in women's fencing, the ninth overall, and the first in 20 years.

Talking about her repeated victory, Mariel, the Athens games champion said: "I wanted a gold medal. I always wanted it in the past four years. It really is a dream come true, but I'm glad it's over. I did what I came here to do."

Mariel said she found it very hard to deal with the nervousness at first, but as the match progressed, it got less and less.

"I would not expect such good result without the support of my family and training partners, and everything throughout the season. I feel really proud and happy to make it on the first fencing day."

(Xinhua News Agency August 9, 2008)