The scandal between Ukrainian fencer Olga Kharlan and Russian fencer Anna Smirnova raised questions about neutrality, the limits of sportsmanship and one of fencing's oldest traditions, the handshake.
The disqualification meant Olha Kharlan was denied ranking points toward Olympic qualification, leaving her at risk of failing to qualify without the intervention
Ukraine s fencing star Olha Kharlan refused to shake the hand of Russian opponent Anna Smirnova on Thursday, leading to her disqualification from the fencing World Championships in Milan.
Ukraine s four-time world sabre champion Olha Kharlan faced off against Russian Anna Smirnova on Thursday at the world championships in Milan, Italy, where she beat her opponent decisively.