China beat Germany 45-42 to qualify for the semifinals of the women's epee team event at the Olympic Games on Saturday.

Leading 40-34 into the final bout, China's anchor fencer Sun Yujie, the current world No. 1, struggled against a late surge from Britta Heidemann but managed to snatch the final deadly hit to wrap up the win for China.

In the semifinals, China are to meet Russia who beat Ukraine 45-34.

South Korea pulled off an upset as they knocked out world champions Romania 45-38, and will in the other semifinals play against the United States, the 45-35 winners over Italy.