CWG 2018: Mary Kom storms into final but Sarita Devi crashes out

Gold Coast, April 11: Indian boxing legend M C Mary Kom (48kg) advanced to the Commonwealth Games final with a comprehensive triumph over Sri Lanka's Anusha Dilrukshi Koddithuwak here on Wednesday (April 11).

It was a battle of veterans as 35-year-old Mary Kom took on the 39-year-old Dilrukshi.

SHREYASI BAGS GOLD" title="MEDAL TALLY | SHREYASI BAGS GOLD" />MEDAL TALLY | SHREYASI BAGS GOLD

Mary Kom, also a sitting Rajya Sabha MP in India, prevailed 5-0 in a dull contest where clean punches were few and far.

Despite the height advantage Koddithuwak struggled to connect for most part.

She picked up pace in the final three minutes but Mary Kom drew from her own well of experience to thwart her.

What a match for the experienced @MangteC Through to the final of #CWG2018 #GoforGold Mary!!! #PunchMeinHaiDum #Gc2018 #GC2018Boxing pic.twitter.com/BjoqjssPkX

— Boxing Federation (@BFI_official) April 11, 2018

The five-time world champion and Olympic bronze-medallist Mary Kom is competing in her maiden Commonwealth Games at Gold Coast.

"It was difficult in the sense that this girl would just not come to me. I had to be careful because she was perhaps waiting for me to let my guard down," Mary Kom said after the bout.

But L Sarita Devi crashed out in the quarterfinals of the 60kg category against Australia's Anja Stridsman.

Vikas Krishan entered the semifinals of the 75kg division beating Benny Muziyo of Zambia with ease. Vikas faced little trouble en route his 5-0 win.

Vikas Krishnan in action in Men's 75kg Boxing, 1st round went defending! @BFI_official #GC2018 #GC2018Boxing pic.twitter.com/phaNyLOVrg

— Indian Sports Fan! (@SportsFan_India) April 11, 2018

India's Gaurav Solanki too convincingly beat his Papua New Guinea opponent Keama 5-0 in men's 52kg boxing category to enter the semifinal. Solanki assured India at least a bronze medal in the category -- the seventh assured boxing medal for India.

Later in the evening, Manish Kaushik defeated Calum French of England in the 60kg quarterfinals en route semifinals and assuring himself of at least a bronze. However, Pinki Rani bowed out in the women's 51kg quarterfinal after losing to England's Lisa Whiteside.

Gaurav Solanki is through to the semi final of #GC2018 and India is assured of 7⃣th medal at the #CommonwealthGames2018 in boxing. Way to go boy!!!#PunchMeinHaiDum #GC2018 #GC2018boxing #CWG2018 pic.twitter.com/SPsMRBD1PW

— Boxing Federation (@BFI_official) April 11, 2018

The Giant slayer #ManishKaushik assures India its 9⃣th Medal. A 💯 performance by this youngster. What a performance by India 🇮🇳, all 8 male boxers are through to the semi final of the #GC2018💪#GC2018boxing #CWG2018 #PunchMeinHaiDum pic.twitter.com/uUll4tmVQA

— Boxing Federation (@BFI_official) April 11, 2018

On Tuesday, Boxers Amit Panghal, Naman Tanwar, Mohammed Hussamuddin, Manoj Kumar and Satish Kumar assured India at least a medal each as they reached the semifinals of their respective weights categories.

The day started with Amit Panghal defeating Aqeel Ahmed of Scotland 4-1 in the quarter-finals of the men's light flyweight (49 kilogram) category and Naman outplaying Samoa's Frank Masoe by a unanimous 5-0 verdict in the heavyweight (91kg) division.

Later in the day, in men's 56kg category, Hussamuddin overpowered Muilenga Everisto of Zambia in a unanimous 5-0 verdict while Manoj defeated Australia's Terry Nickolas 4-1 in the 69 kg category. Satish also won his bout with a split 4-1 decision in +91kg quarterfinals bout.