BEIJING, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Romanian Mihai Covaliu, the sabre gold medalist in the Sydney Olympics failed to recoup his title and took the bronze medal in the Beijing Games here on Tuesday.

    The 31-year-old outscored Frenchman Julien Pillet 15-11. The fencers were knnotted at 4-4, 5-5, and 9-9. After that, the Romanian veteran managed a lead till the end.