World number 66 Kharkova pulled off a shock victory against double Olympic medallist Rossella Fiamingo of Italy in the women's épée tournament in Turkey.

The Ukrainian was in control for the whole duel against the top seed and quenched any chance of a comeback with an aggressive tactic that helped her see out the 15-10 win.

Kharkova also beat France's Marie-Florence Candassamy, Eszter Muhari of Hungary, and Poland's Martyna Swatowska 15-11, 15-8, and 15-11 respectively, en route to the gold medal.

One of the pre-tournament favourites Auriane Mallo of France suffered a disappointing 15-14 defeat in the round of 16 to Alexandra Ndolo of Germany.

In the men's foil tournament, Rio de Janeiro 2016 gold medallist and Tokyo 2020 runner-up Daniele Garozzo got the better of countryman and top seed Tommaso Marini.

Garozzo rocked his opponent and surged to a 15-9 victory with a remarkable and unexpected performance.

He was in fine form throughout the tournament as he cruised past another compatriot, Giorgio Avola, 15-10 in the semi-finals, blitzed Czech Republic's Alexander Choupenitch 15-6, and downed Austrian Maximilian Ettelt 15-9 before his final victory.

The competition is set to continue in Antalya tomorrow with the men's épée and women's sabre finals.