Sarita storms into semifinals

BANGKOK, AUG. 26. Indian boxers L. Sarita Devi and Laxmi put up an excellent show defeating their rivals to move into the semifinals of the Asian women's boxing championships here on Sunday.

While Sarita overpowered Dulangjai Samranket of Thailand to move into the last four of the 57 kg category, Laxmi beat Jeerawan Thinthup, also from Thailand in the 71 kg class. Sarita gave the charge right from the word go and poured punches on the Thai girl to lead 9:3 in the first round. With excellent foot-work, the Manipuri girl pounded her opponent with right crosses on the head and body, leaving the spectators in no doubt that she was there to win.

Samranket hardly had any time to settle down, as the Indian stepped up pressure in the second round. Finally, it was upto the referee to come to the Thai girl's rescue. He awarded the bout to Sarita who was then leading 15:5. Sarita will now meet Jouvellet Chilem of Philippines in the semifinals on Monday.

Sarita's performance encouraged Laxmi, who also took the fight to her Thai rival. Using her height to advantage, Laxmi boxed intelligently to lead the first round 8:6. A sudden right cross from Laxmi in the second round struck Thinthup on the forehead, forcing the referee to call for a mandatory count.

Going on the defensive, the Thai girl kept her head low, only to be cautioned by the referee twice followed by a final warning. Another fast moving right cross towards the end of the second round, landed on Thinthup's chin forcing the referee to go for a second mandatory call and subsequent proclamation of result. Laxmi lead 16:12 at the end of the bout.

In the other matches of the day, India's T. Joymati Chanu lost her bout in the 60 kg class while Kumari Meena bowed out in the 51 kg. While Chanu, managed to put up an aggressive front, but eventually lost to Jo Pok Sun of South Korea, Meena was no match for Kim Kumson, also from South Korea.

- PTI

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