Originally posted by Borbarad
Lightsnake. Take it up with the Dark Side Sourcebook. It's clearly stated that Sidious just [b]barely managed to parry Maul's blows when Maul snapped and attacked him. Yes...after Maul's rage was over, Sidious disarmed him. Still Maul was close to killing the Sith Lord in that particular situation and that after which he had suffered before.
Somehow, I seriously doubt Palpatine fought to anywhere close of his ability, because according to Maul's journal, when Palpatine did get serious, Maul was utterly outclassed. He was beaten prior to his rage and was beaten during it, where he could only sink his teeth into Palpatine's hand.
And mind you, Palpatine was only using a training saber the entire time.