Sarita Devi in final

BANGKOK, AUG. 27. India's chances of a medal in the inaugural Asian women's boxing championship brightened as L. Sarita Devi defeated Jouveliet Chilem of Philippines to set up a title clash against Zhang Mo of China.

Sarita outclassed her Filipino rival in two rounds in the 57 kg category.

Unlike yesterday, the 18-year old Indian started the bout on a low-note today, taking time to settle down.

Chilem took the fight to Sarita, soon after the opening bell, but the Indian moved out to make space for a counter-offensive and landed a couple of quick attacks on her opponent.

Chilem came back with a fresh attack and caught the Indian on wrong foot. The round ended with Sarita leading by a slender margin of 2:1.

Using her height to advantage, Sarita took charge in the second round and dominated right through.

With her punches bang on target, the Indian pinned down her rival forcing the referee to end the round 12:2 in favour of Sarita.

In the other semifinal, Kumari Sushma of India lost her bout to Nantana of Thailand after three rounds in the 54 kg class. Sushma was lacking in attack and made a poor show of herself as the Thai girl stepped up punching.

Nantana leads the first round 5:0.

The second and third round also went to the Thai, as she made pointed attacks at the Indian's defence. Sushma lost the bout 4:12 on a point decision.

The final will take place on Wednesday.

- PTI

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Section  : Sport
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