More Filipino fencers bowed out on the second day of the World Fencing Championships at the AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong on Thursday.

Southeast Asian Games silver medalist Noelito Jose Jr. received a bye into the Table of 256 in the men’s individual epee before advancing to the Table of 128, where he fell to Paul Fortin of Sweden, 10-15.

Jose joined Nathaniel Perez, who reached the Table of 128 in the men’s individual foil on Wednesday, as the only Filipinos to advance past the opening round of the prestigious tournament.

Jian Miguel Bautista also saw his campaign end in the men’s individual epee after absorbing a 6-15 loss to Mateusz Antkiewicz of Poland in the Table of 128.

Attention now shifts to Friday’s action with Olympian Sam Catantan making her long-awaited return in the women’s individual foil.

The 24-year-old Catantan is competing for the first time since recovering from the anterior cruciate ligament injury she sustained during the 2024 Paris Olympics.

University Athletic Association of the Philippines gold medalist Marina Andrea Cabonell will join her.

The Philippines will also field Christian Anthony Concepcion, Christian Jhester Concepcion, Daniel Villanueva and Khiane Nash Felipe in the men’s individual saber event.