Sarjubala, Pinky in semis of Senior Women's National Boxing

The 22-year-old Pinky scored a comprehensive 11-5 victory on points over two-time former national champion Van Lal Duati of Mizoram in 51kg category. She takes on Basanti Chanu in the semifinals tomorrow.

After a slow start in the first round (2-1), Pinky launched into the veteran boxer with some decisive blows. Her lightening fast combinations opened up a 7-2 gap by the end of the second round.

She maintained the lead owing to some controlled aggression in the final two rounds of play and did not allow Duati many counter attack opportunities to win the bout 11-5 victory on points.

In the light flyweight division, after registering easy wins in the first two rounds, 19-year-old Sarjubala faced some tough opposition from Andhra boxer A Punyavathi.

The first round turned out to be a close affair with Punyavathi not giving Sarjubala much room to play with. But Sarjubala managed to top the Andhra girl with a one point lead thanks to some snapping right crosses.

Sarjubala began to stretch the lead in the second round. Relying more on straight punches combined with exceptional footwork, she went on to make a place in the semi-finals by virtue points (17-10).

In the round of four, Sarjubala takes on Mamta of Haryana, whom she beat in the semifinals last year en route to winning the gold.

Mamta, a bronze medallist from last year, upstaged Sudesh of AIP to set up the semifinal clash. MORE