Smirnova books second tie between Russia and Ukraine at FIE World Championships insidethegames.biz - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from insidethegames.biz Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
A hastily arranged European championships will accommodate Russian fencers. Their presence means Ukrainians won't take part in events that could be key to qualifying for the Olympics. But nobody is happy.
The Ukrainian Sports Ministry has accused Russian fencer Valeria
Kobzeva of breaching guidelines that allow athletes to participate as
neutral competitors in international competitions.