27-year-old who fought through rehabilitation to join Olympic games collapsed after 70 seconds in first round.
By ALLON SINAI, BEIJING
Four years of preparations ended after 10 minutes for fencer Delila Hatuel on Monday.
The 27-year-old, who injured her left knee last month, went through excruciating treatment in recent weeks to regain fitness in time for the Olympics, but just 70 seconds into Monday's first round fight against Russian Viktoria Nikichina collapsed to the ground and looked to be out of the Games.
She would, however, get back on her feet and eventually only succumbed 10-9 in extra time after a brave fight.
"I'm very sad, but this loss has nothing to do with my injury," said Hatuel. "I'm out because I lost my concentration in the tiebreaker and she made a winning move. My knee didn't hurt me and I didn't feel any discomfort."
Despite the defeat Hatuel doesn't regret coming to Beijing in her current state. "It was worth coming. I fought as if I was healthy.
Unfortunately, I'll be thinking of the mistake I made in extra time for many more days, but I'll be back."
Also Monday, shooter Doron Egozi finished 41st out of 51 in the 10 meter air rifle competition, recording a result of 587.
Egozi has still got his main event, the 50m 3 positions, to look forward to.
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