BEIJING, Aug 9 (Xinhua) -- The Athens Olympics silver medalist Wang Lei is expected to win an unprecedented epee gold for China as the intense competition among 41 fencers will stage on Sunday, the second competition day of the Beijing Olympics.

    Wang, the runner-up to the men's epee in Athens Olympics, always present unexpected excellence in big events, although he always lost his his good form soon after fighting those significant matches.

    "We can expect Wang, with 'Black horse' caliber, to bring us surprise again in Oympics despite of his unstable conditions. "said Wang Jian, team leader of the Chinese fencing team.

    Wang will meet the French Jerome Jeannet, the Italian Matteo Tagliariol, and Michael Kauter from Switzerland on his way to the final round.

    Michael Kauter, ranked 6th in the world, told Xinhua that he had fenced with Wang before and he knew Wang very well. "I expect to compete with him again." he said.

    Three Chinese fencers in woman's saber including the gold medal hope Tan Xue lost their chance to enter in the semifinals in the competition held on Saturday.

    China has not won an Olympic fencing gold since the 1984 Los Angeles Games.