The duo is likely to meet again in next month’s second grand prix of the season in Budapest where Kong has a realistic chance of overtaking the Italian to become the first world number one fencer from Hong Kong.

Kong collected 32 ranking points for her victory in Barcelona where Navarria claimed only eight for finishing in ninth place. The grand prix offers more ranking points than a world cup event.

“I know I need to perform again in Budapest to make it (to world number one), but at the moment I won’t think too much about that and just focus on the preparation in the next three weeks so that I can get back to my top form in time for the event,” said Kong, who rushed back to the gym after her return to Hong Kong to keep in shape.

“There are always new things to learn in fencing and in Barcelona I found some opponents are very combative. I almost fainted when they hit me with their bodies, so I need to improve my physical side. Also, it helps me to avoid getting injuries in a hectic season – or all the hard work will be for nothing if I can’t compete.”

Kong won her first world cup series medal in Leipzig in 2014 when she clinched a bronze medal. Since then she has collected two more bronze, two more silver (one in the grand prix) and two more gold medals in the world series. The two golds came within a month of each other as Kong claimed victory in Havana back in January. She then lost in the Doha grand prix before a quick recovery in Barcelona.

“When I was in Barcelona, my cell phone displayed the photos taken in Leipzig, reminding me what I did at that same time five years ago. It was such a sweet memory and hopefully I can build on that good work and become the number one in the world soon,” Kong said.