GUWAHATI, May 21 - Six-time world champion MC Mary Kom didn�t face much of a difficulty in entering the semifinals of the 51kg category at the 2nd India Open International Boxing Tournament here as she eased past Mala Rai of Nepal 5-0 in a unanimous decision.
Cheered by a vociferous crowd, Mary took time to gain the momentum but once she got going it was simply one way traffic with repeated attacks. Like Mary, her opponent � a Nepal Armed Police pugilist also got a bye in the first round.
Asian Championships bronze medallist Nikhat Zareen will face the daunting task of tackling Mary in the semis.
�This was my first bout in the India Open against Anamika who has been the silver medallist of Youth World Championship. I already defeated her in the Asian Games trial and this was the second time I was facing her. I�m happy with the results. But my main bout is the semifinal against my idol and inspiration Mary Kom. So, I hope this bout will be the best in the competition,� Nikhat said after her quarterfinal match.
It was a double delight for the Guwahati crowd as local girl Jamuna Boro also registered a thumping 5-0 win over Nepal girl Minu Gurung in feather weight (54 kg) event.
On the other hand, Manju Rani, Monika and Kalavani also entered the 48kg semifinals to confirm five medals for India on the second day and bring India�s total medal tally to 15. Strandja Cup silver medallist Manju kept attacking her opponent, Cleo Claveras Tesara of Philippines right from the start to earn a win by RSC (Referee Stop Contest) in Round 1 to move into the 48kg semifinals. Monika was equally dominant in her quarterfinal bout with Thailand�s Apaporn Intongsee to earn a 5-0 win.
Kalavani was deemed the winner by RSC in round two over Bhutan�s Tandin Lhamo while Nitu did not enjoy the same fortunes and was blanked 0-5 by former World Champion Josie Gabuco of Philippines.
Earlier in the day, four Indian men pugilists made it to the quarterfinals. Pawan Kumar made short work of reigning Youth Olympic champion Brian Agustin Arregui of Argentina 4-1 for a place in the 69kg quarterfinals.
Promising Indian boxer Dinesh Dagar, who upset 2012 London Olympic bronze medallist at the GeeBee Boxing tournament recently, continued his fine form to notch up a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Marjon Angcon Pianar of Philippines in the 69kg. In 60kg, Ankit proved too strong for Ryan Boy Empoc Moreno of Philippines whom he blanked 5-0.
In 75kg, Manjeet Panghal got a walkover into the last-eight while Ashish lost 0-5 to Colin Louis Richarno.
