Four Indian boxers in final, Pinki takes bronze

Glasgow, Aug 2 (IANS) Four Indian boxers — L. Sarita Devi, L. Devendro Singh, Mandeep Jangra and Vijender Singh — made it into their respective gold medal bouts after Pinki Jangra lost her semi-final to settle for the bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games here Friday.

To start the proceedings, former World Champion Sarita proved too good for Mozambique's Maria Machongua to win all four rounds of two minutes each in the women's 57-60 kg semi-final at the SECC Hall.

Not only that, the veteran had a perfect 40 points from all three judges while her opponent had to settle for the bronze. In the final Saturday, the 32-year-old Manipuri cop will take on Australia's Shelley Watts for the gold.

Sarita's state-mate Devendro also delivered a brilliant performance to beat Welsh Ashley Williams 3:0 in the men's 49 kg last four bout. The 22-year-old Indian earned a maximum of 30 points from each of the three judges to enter the summit clash.

The diminutive Indian faces a tough task next against defending champion Paddy Barnes of Northern Ireland in the gold medal contest.

Haryana's Jangra then came out on top against Northern Ireland's Steven Donnelley in the men's 69 kg semi-final. After sharing the first two rounds, Jangra attacked Donnelley to come out the winner and will take on England's Scott Fitzgerald in the final.

In-form Olympic bronze medallist Vijender also came out with a stupendous performance to beat Connor Coyle of Northern Island 3:0 on points. The two-time Commonwealth Games medallist had a perfect score of 30 points in each round to Coyle's 27 in the men's 75 kg bout.

Earlier, Pinki brought home India's first medal from the discipline at the 2014 Games when she lost her women's 48-51 kg semi-final to take home the bronze.

The Haryana pugilist gave a tough fight to Michaela Walsh but the Northern Ireland woman's height and better reach helped her win all four rounds.

While Judge A gave both the boxers a total of 38 points, Judge B gave Michaela a perfect 40, four more than Pinki. Judge C too ruled in favour of Michaela, awarding her 39 points to Pinki's 37.