ATHENS, Aug. 19 (Xinhuanet) -- France's run for the gold medal in the men's sabre team event was gloomy due to the cut injury of one of its Touya's brothers, Damien.

    The Sydney Olympics runners-up will face Italy in the finals after an emotional 45-44 win over the United States in the semi-finals.

    D. Touya had his right hand, the one holds the sword, cut heavily when the bout was tied at 44-44.

    He received medical treatment beside the stripe before the match was resumed after almost ten-minute break.

    "I will not know if I can play in the final until I have more treatment," Touya said after he beat American Keeth Smart on the winner.

    Italy sent defending champion Russia home with a 45-42 win to enter the finals.

    "We are a team, that's why we win the games. We tried very hard to advance and now it is impossible to lose the gold medal," said Aldo Montano, who won the gold medal of the individual event for Italy. Enditem