Keeth Smart (L) of the United States competes with Stanislav Pozdnyakov of Russia during the men's team sabre semifinal of the Beijing Olympic Games fencing event in Beijing, China, Aug. 17, 2008. The U.S. beat Russia in the semifinal. [Yang Lei/Xinhua]

France defeated Italy in the Men's Team Sabre semifinals to move a step closer to the final gold medal in Fencing at the Beijing 2008 Olympics on August 17.

France was the gold medalist in this event at Athens 2004. Julien Pillet, Beijing 2008 Individual Sabre bronze medalist Nicolas Lopez, and Boris Sanson competed for France in the semifinals.

Italy won the first six bouts. But France came up from down in the seventh bout to smash Italy's hope for gold.

In another seminal, the United States battled past Russia 45-44 to advance to the final

Keeth Smart, Jason Rogers and Tim Morehouse make up the US team.

The United States won the first three of the nine bouts, but Russia overtook them by one touch in the fourth bout and kept the momentum in the following three sections. However, the United States recovered to win out by a touch.

The Men's Team Sabre final will start at 6:00 p.m. (UTC/GMT +8) on August 17 at the Fencing Hall of the National Convention Center in Beijing.

Last fencer Julien Pillet (R) of France celebrates for the victory of the French team during the men's team sabre semifinal of the Beijing Olympic Games fencing event in Beijing, China, Aug. 17, 2008. France beat Italy in the semifinal. [Yang Lei/Xinhua]

(BOCOG, August 17, 2008)