Havana - Alhjadis Banderas, president of the Cuban National Fencing Federation, told local sports website Jit that the competition for the 2018 National Fencing Championship will start on Friday.

The competition will be from May 4 to 13, with a first stage (May 4 and 5) dedicated to the sword, the leading fencing weapon for the Central American and Caribbean Games in the city of Barranquilla (Colombia) in July and August this year.

A trio formed by the Cuban best fine swordwomen -experienced Yumilka Rodriguez is included- came from France last weekend, and the male team will depart soon, led by Yunior Reytor, runner-up in the World Cup, to train there to be ready for the World Cup in this European country.

These athletes will not be present at the national Championship, which starts Friday morning, with the competition among ladies with the sword. At noon, males will start competing, with finals at the end in both sexes. Saturday will be the day for the team competition.

After a rest for four days, the foil competition will be held, with an identical competitive scheme.

The third stage will be on May 12 and 13, for the saber contest.