Benny satisfied with bronze
GOLD COAST: New Zealand is guaranteed two more boxing medals following three bouts yesterday.
Tasmyn Benny said she was happy with her bronze after losing her semifinal, believing the experience will improve her boxing.
Benny’s medal lifted the Kiwis’ tally to 27 — nine golds, 10 silvers and eight bronzes. They sit fourth on the medal table.
The 19yearold fell 50 to Northern Irishwoman Kristina O’Hara in the women’s 48kg finalfour clash, outclassed from beginning to end and taking some heavy blows.
Losing semifinalists automatically take bronze as there are no bronzemedal matches in Games boxing. The medals are awarded after the final.
However, Benny was satisfied with that.
‘‘I could’ve started off faster. I’m still working on my speed,’’ Benny said.
‘‘I’m feeling more comfortable with it and learning from every fight. I took up boxing to keep fit for netball — it helps with footwork, balance and speed. Now I want to do well in boxing.’’
Following Benny’s defeat, compatriot Troy Garton took on Bots wana’s Aratwa Kasemang in her women’s 69kg quarterfinal and claimed a dominant 50 victory.
As a result, she, too, is guaranteed a Games medal.
Garton (30) hit the rangy Kasemang hard with upper cuts and hooks, neutralising her opponent’s reach advantage.
‘‘It means a lot. I’m that step closer to achieving what I would like to achieve, which is the gold medal. It’s been a tough ride to get here and I’m just overjoyed to have got this far,’’ Garton said.
Garton’s next opponent will be Australia’s Anja Stridsman, who overcame what should have been a crippling knee injury to reach the Games. Their bout is tomorrow afternoon. ‘‘I’ve fought a few Australians and they are always great, tough, gutsy opponents, so I’m looking forward to it,’’ Garton said.
Ryan Scaife was the third Kiwi in action yesterday, fighting Cameroon’s Dieudonne Wilfried Seyi Ntsengue in their 75kg division quarterfinal.
The game Scaife struggled to catch up with the elusive Ntsengue, who was able to get the Kiwi with some good shots and the judges gave it to the Cameroonian 50. — NZN