FIE disqualifies Ukrainian fencer who refused to shake hands with Russia
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The International Fencing Federation disqualified Ukrainian athlete Olga Kharlanova from the World Championships, who refused to shake hands with Russian Anna Smirnova and pointed a saber at her.
After the fight, the Russian fencer extended her hand to her opponent, but the Ukrainian refused to shake it and instead pointed the saber in the direction of Smirnova.
< p>Harlan won with a score of 15-7 and advanced to the 1/16 finals. According to the regulations, an athlete who refused to shake hands with an opponent should be disqualified.
Smirnova has previously filed a complaint in connection with the disrespect shown by a Ukrainian athlete. The saber fencer waited more than 50 minutes for the referee's decision on the track. As a result, the referees did not disqualify Harlan. Ukraine advanced to the next round, where she faced Yoana Ilieva from Bulgaria.