Samantha Catantan makes PH fencing history at Paris Olympics

Filipina fencer Samantha Catantan achieved a historic win in the women's individual foil at the Paris Olympics, defeating Mariana Pistoia of Brazil, 15-13, marking the country's first fencing win in over three decades.

Despite a knee injury during her first match, the 22-year-old Catantan, ranked No. 266, advanced to the round of 32.

She then faced top-seeded Italian veteran Arianna Errigo, the world No. 2 and a six-time world champion, who previously won a team gold and an individual silver in the 2012 London Games.

Catantan battled back from a 0-4 deficit, even seizing a 5-4 lead, and narrowed the score to 12-14 before ultimately losing the bout to Errigo, 15-12.

Catantan expressed happiness with her performance, stating she hopes to perform better in future tournaments.