Rio 2016: Wrestler Sakshi Malik loses in freestyle 58kg quarters

Indian wrestler Sakshi Malik failed to maintain her winning momentum as she suffered a 2-9 defeat at the hands of Russia's Valeria Koblova in the quarter-finals of the Women's freestyle 58kg event here on Wednesday.

Sakshi, who was trailing 0-1 after the first period, bounced back strongly in the initial minutes of the bout to take a 2-1 lead at the Carioca Arena.

The 23-year-old from Rohtak, however, failed to capitalize on it as the Russian outclassed her with some brilliant moves to take an unassailable 9-2 lead in the dying minutes.

As per the Repechage system, Sakshi is still in contention for a bronze medal as Koblova made it to the finals of the tournament.

 

Earlier today, Sakshi booked her place in the quarter-finals of the competition after scoring superior class points 3-1 against Moldova's Mariana Cherdivara Esanu.

Prior to this, Sakshi produced a spirited fight back as she ousted World Number.3 Johanna Mattsson 5-4 to progress through to the pre-quarterfinals of the Women's 58kg freestyle event.

India, who have sent their largest-ever contingent of 119 athletes in Rio Olympics, are yet to open their medal account in the ongoing Summer Games.