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File photo of L Sarita Devi and Mary Kom

Last Updated on November 11, 2021 7: 57pm

Manipur star boxer M C Mary Kom stormed into the final of India Open International Boxing Tournament winning her semi-final bout on Wednesday.

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The five time world champion led a formidable Indian contingent of 10 men and eight women, including her compatriot from the north-eastern state, L Sarita Devi into the finals of the tournament.

File photo of Shiva Thapa

However, Assam’s Shiva Thapa crashed out of the semi-finals courtesy a minor wrist injury.

Mary Kom was a bit shaky in the opening round against her taller and stronger Mongolian opponent Altansetseg Lutsaikhan in the light-fly category. She promptly changed her strategy in the second round to turn the bout to her favour.

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She started her fight from close quarters, but realized very soon that it wasn’t a good tactic against the aggressive Mongolian, who intelligently took advantage of her height, reach and power.

In the next rounds, the Manipuri pugilist decided to maintain a safe distance, before launching into short-burst attacks.

That was the turning point that threw the Mongolian out of her rhythm and Mary started picking points and eventually won the bout 4-1.

Mary will face Josie Gabuco from Philippines, who is considered as an impressive all-round boxer, in the final.

Sarita overpowered her Indian counterpart Priyanka Choudhary 4-1 in the light-weight category to reach the final.

Sarita will fight aggressive pugilist Mira Marjut from Finland in the final in her category.

 

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