Bhavani Devi’s Olympic campaign came to an end as she lost to fourth-seeded Manon Brunet of France 15-7 in the fencing women’s sabre second round at the Makuhari Messe Hall on Monday. It was always going to be difficult for Bhavani against the Frenchwoman ranked third in the world. In fact, the 27-year-old Indian had lost all four previous encounters to Brunet. However, Bhavani wasn't overawed by the opponent and took the battle to Brunet with some wonderful riposte and attack. But, the Frebchwoman, who had finished fourth in the 2016 Rio Olympics, seemed to have all the answers. At the turn, the score read 8-2, summing up the difference between the two. Bhavani showed her skills when took a few points, charging and poking the sword on Brunet’s neck and torso, but it wasn't enough. Earlier, Bhavani had put it across Tunisia’s Ben Azizi Nadia 15-3 in the first round.
