Mary storms into semis

Guwahati, May 21 

Six-time world champion Mary Kom made a successful return to 51kg category by overwhelming her opponent Mala Rai of Nepal to reach the semifinals and be assured of a medal as Indians continued to dominate the India Open boxing tournament here today.

Walking into the ring to the loud cheers of a packed crowd, the London Olympics bronze medallist wasted little time in her 5-0 win. “It’s also a learning experience for me. The Nepal opponent was experienced and quite strong,” Mary Kom said.

The celebrated Manipuri boxer had opted out of the Asian Championships last month in order to prepare for the World Championships.  

Mary will face Asian Championships bronze medallist Nikhat Zareen in a blockbuster semifinal. Nikhat was equally impressive with a flurry of punches against compatriot Anamika in her 5-0 victory.  Nikhat will be looking to avenge her South Asian Games defeat to Mary Kom in the semifinals. “I was nervous nervous last time but this time I’m well prepared and hope to give my best,” Nikhat said.

Former world champion Sarita Devi assured herself of a medal by sailing into the semifinal with a 5-0 win over Preeti Beniwal in the 60kg category. Local favourite Ankushita Boro entered the 64kg semifinals when she pipped Lalita 4-1. 

Manju Rani kept attacking her opponent, Cleo Claveras Tesara of Philippines, right from the start to earn a win by RSC (Referee Stopped Contest) in Round 1 to move to the 48kg semifinals. Monika was equally dominant in her  bout against Thailand’s Apaporn Intongsee. Kalavani was declared winner by RSC over Bhutan’s Tandin Lhamo. Nitu lost 5-0 to former world champion Josie Gabuco of Philippines.

Pawan enters quarters 

Haryana youngster Pawan Narwal outsmarted Youth Olympics gold medallist Brian Arregui Agustin in the 69kg category as all five Indian boxers in the men’s section advanced to the quarterfinals. The Argentine dominated the first round but the 21-year-old Indian slowly found his rhythm with his clever footwork to win 4-1. 

“It was a close fight. He was dangerous with his left hook and landed powerful punches. Pawan outworked him with his clever footwork which was the key,” India’s high-performance director Santiago Nieva said. “He really applied the pressure and the Argentine could not sustain in the end,” he added.

In the bottom half of the draw in the 69kg class, experienced Dinesh Dagar, a silver medallist in the last edition, was far from convincing but overcame Filipino Marjon Angcon Pianar 3-2. 

Youth World Championships bronze medallist Ankit Khatana (60kg) began the day for the Indian’s in the men’s section with a win over Ryan Boy Empoc Moreno of Philippines. Ashish (64kg) and Manjit Panghal (75kg) also made the quarterfinals. — PTI