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How long can a 15-touch fencing bout last?
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Giovanna Trillini (rear) of Italy successfully defending her world champion foil title against Wang Huifeng of China at the 1992 Olympics.
A 15-touch fencing bout in direct elimination rounds has a maximum duration of three periods of three minutes each, for a total of nine minutes of active fencing time.1
It is important to note that the clock only runs while the fencers are actively competing; the referee stops the clock when fencing is not occurring. While these bouts are structured for this maximum duration, sabre bouts often conclude much faster, frequently ending within a single three-minute period.1