Tan Xue of China completes her match during the women’s individual sabre round of 32 at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 9, 2008. Tan beat Alexandra Bujdoso of Germany in the event. (Xinhua/Yang Lei) Photo Gallery>>>

    

    BEIJING, Aug. 9 (Xinhua) -- China's Bao Yingying was defeated 9-15 by defending Olympic champion Mariel Zagunis of the United States in the quarterfinals of the women's individual sabre event on Saturday.

    Tan Xue, China's only gold medal hope in the event, also bowed out after losing 9-15 to Russia's Sofiya Velikayas.

    Joining Velikayas, Zagunis in the top four are two other American fencers, Sada Jacobson and Becca Ward. The semifinals will take place later Saturday.

    "I did not control my speed very well today, and adjusted myself to the right form too slowly," Bao told reporters after the competition.

    "I could feel the enthusiasm of the spectators. Actually I was not burdened with too much pressure today," she added.

    Zagunis said "We fenced together many times before, so we knew each other quite well."