Ukrainian fencer Anna Maksimenko secured a bronze medal at the Grand Prix épée competition in Doha, Qatar.
The 18-year-old began her campaign with a 15:12 victory over Switzerland's Pauline Brunner. She followed this with a 15:14 win against Italy's Sara Maria Kovalchik, then defeated Emma Borshodyi 15:11 to advance to the quarterfinals, according to Suspilne.
In the quarterfinal round, Maksimenko faced France's Lauren Rembi and won 15:11. Under tournament regulations, this result guaranteed her at least a bronze medal.
The semifinal paired Maksimenko against Hungary's Eszter Muhari. Maksimenko took an early lead, building a 6:3 advantage by mid-match. Muhari responded with a series of successful touches to pull ahead 14:12. Maksimenko equalized the score, but Muhari landed the deciding touch for a 15:14 victory.
The bronze marks Maksimenko's second Grand Prix medal. She won gold in Budapest in March 2025.
Her complete Grand Prix results include gold in Budapest (March 2025), bronze in Doha (January 2026), 47th place in Bogotá (May 2025), 62nd place in Cali (May 2024), 68th place in Budapest (March 2024), and 147th place in Doha (January 2025).
Maksimenko's medal comes as Ukraine continues to record strong performances in international sport. Tennis player Elina Svitolina reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open for the fourth time in her career, defeating Mirra Andreeva without dropping a set. Svitolina's victory marked her 33rd main draw win at the Australian Open, matching her personal record for wins at a single major, previously achieved at Roland Garros.
"I'm very satisfied with the match, very satisfied with my performance," Svitolina said.
She faces third-ranked Coco Gauff in the quarterfinals on 27 January, with a potential first-ever Australian Open semifinal appearance at stake.
