The Germans are tipped to be favorites in the two finals on fifth day of Olympic fencing competitions here on Wednesday, especially after Italian top foilist was barred from the Olympics due to doping.

The men's foil will possibly feature a fight between Germany's Peter Joppich, ranked number one in the world, and Italian Andrea Cassara, after Andrea Baldini was plunged into a doping scandal.

The International Fencing Federation said hearings on Andrea's case would be held in September after the Olympics.

China will field in Lei Sheng and Zhu Jun, both within the world's top 10, for the ambition of an Olympic medal.

Of the women's epee event on the same day, Germany's Britta Heidemann is the star as she has won a World Cup medal just a few months ago and currently stays as world's top seed.

In epee, host team players have a shot. China's Li Na will pose serious challenges for Heidemann and is hopeful of claiming a medal.

Other players who have a chance in epee are Ana Maria Branza of Romania, Imke Duplitzer of Germany as well as French and Russian contenders.

(Xinhua News Agency August 12, 2008)