Keeth Smart (L) of the United States competes with Stanislav Pozdnyakov of Russia during the men's team sabre semifinal of the Beijing Olympic Games fencing event in Beijing, China, Aug. 17, 2008. The U.S. beat Russia in the semifinal. (Xinhua/Yang Lei) Photo Gallery>>>

BEIJING, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- France beat Italy 45-41 to enter the gold medal match of the Olympic men's sabre team event on Sunday to meet with the United States, which edged out Russia in a disputed bout.

Frenchman Boris Sanson, hero of the match, contributed 18 points to the team.

In another semifinal, Russia and the United States ended the match at 45-43. However, U.S. player Keeth Smart pleaded with the referee who later ruled Russian fencer Stanislav Pozdnyakov's last hit ineffective.

The match restarted at 43-44, and the two players hit each other almost simultaneously this time. The scoring lights flashed for both sides, and the referee ruled it 44-44. Smart made the last fight and sent the United States to the final.

Last fencer Julien Pillet (R) of France celebrates for the victory of the French team during the men's team sabre semifinal of the Beijing Olympic Games fencing event in Beijing, China, Aug. 17, 2008. France beat Italy in the semifinal. (Xinhua/Yang Lei) Photo Gallery>>>