World Championships: Lovlina rallies to reach Round of 16

New Delhi, May 9

Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain upstaged former champion Chen Nien-Chin in the 70kg division to enter the Round of 16 at the IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships in Istanbul. Returning to competitive boxing for the first time since her podium finish at the Tokyo Games last year, Lovlina won by a 3-2 split decision against the Chinese Taipei boxer, who had defeated her in the semifinals of the 2018 edition.

This was Lovlina’s second win over Chen, having also beaten her in the quarterfinals at the Tokyo Olympics.

The two boxers started cautiously, maintaining distance. Lovlina soon began attacking using her long reach. After an even second round, Chen tried attacking in the final round but the swift-moving Indian managed to keep her at bay. The 24-year-old Assam boxer, who is a two-time bronze medallist at the event, will next face England’s Cindy Ngamba.

On the second day, Nitu will begin her challenge in the 48kg category against Romania’s Steluta Duta. Shiksha (54kg), Manisha (57kg), Ankushita (66kg) and Nandini (+81kg) have received bye in their opening rounds.