Strong start by Mandakini, Neetu in World boxing

Qinhuangdao: India's female boxers made a strong start in the World Championships here with Mandakini Chanu (57kg) and Neetu Chahal (69kg) cruising into the second round after convincing wins. Chanu brought cheer to the Indian camp by comprehensively defeating Serbian boxer Bojana Ranic while Neetu defeated Hungary's European champion Bianka Nagy 22:6 here on Friday.

Mandakini went on the relentless attacking mode against the Serbian boxer who was physically taller and heftier. At the end of round one, the score was 10-3 in favour of India. During the second round, Mandakini stunned Bojana twice prompting the referee to administer the standing count of eight on both occasions.

Finally the referee stopped the contest in round three in favour of Mandakini, who will now face World No.1 Tiara Brown of the US. In the 69kg category, Neetu led by 4:1 after the first round. Although Bianka was a very experienced boxer it was Neetu's attacking play which gave her the edge and the bout.

Neetu will next face Marie de Jong of the Netherlands, World No.1 in the category.

Neetu led 9:3 after the second round and stretched it to 17:5 after the third and finished at 22:6 at the end of the bout. Neetu will next face Marie de Jong of the Netherlands, World No.1 in the category.

(For updates you can share with your friends, follow IBNLive on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest)