Strandja Boxing Tournament: Mary Kom advances to semis

Sofia [Bulgaria], February 23 (ANI): Five-time world champion MC Mary Kom(48 kg) advanced to the semifinals of the 69th Strandja Memorial Boxing Tournament for men and women by defeating Steluta Duta of Romania in Bulgaria yesterday.

In her quarterfinal match in Sofia, the 35-year-old counted on her sharper reflex to outplay Steluta, who is a three-time silver medallist in world championships.

Interestingly, Mary Kom has earlier defeated Steluta in three world championship in the finals (2006, 2008 and 2010).

With her entry, India is now assured of four medals on the part of the women boxers in the tournament since Saweety Boora (75kg) and Mena Kumari Devi (54kg) have won their quarterfinals while Seema Punia (+81kg) Bhagyabati Kachari (81kg) got byes.

Meanwhile, India's Dheeraj Rangi bowed out of the tournament after he lost his opening bout to Louis Colin Richarno in the men's competition.(ANI)