Mary Kom storms into final
Hanna Okhota stands in way of veteran’s sixth gold; Lovlina bows out
NEW DELHI: MC Mary Kom knew what to expect from North Korean Kim Hyang Mi, but she was also prepared for the unexpected. At 35, Mary Kom relies on her vast reserves of experience to switch strategies in the ring. The legendary Indian on Thursday showcased her strong defensive skills and counter-attacked with vigour to storm into the 48kg final of the Women’s World Boxing Championships here, staying on course for her sixth gold medal.
However, it was the end of the road for young Lovlina Borgohain, who lost to Chinese Taipei’s Nien-chin Chen in the 69kg category semi-final. In a bout that could have gone either way, Lovlina lost by a split decision (4-0) – four judges awarded the bout to the Taipei boxer and one called it a draw (28:28). Lovlina thus had to be content with bronze in her maiden appearance.
On Thursday, Kim came out all guns blazing from the start, throwing her combinations with speed. Mary swerved and evaded to escape Kim’s reach and realised she would have to score on counter-attacks. Her defence was top class as she ducked Kim’s flurry of punches, staying low and finding the openings to land a barrage of her own.
The first round saw Kim Hyang on an equal footing with Mary but the Indian was in control in the second and third rounds. Cheers from the stands got louder and louder as Mary showed her famed prowess in the ring. “Every time you go inside the ring, you have to study your opponent closely. Each time an opponent comes with her own strategy to counter.
“I had beaten her easily before. Today, I had to adopt a different strategy. It was about defence and counter. Once I study the opponent in the first round, I know how to tackle her. It’s a learning process. I have years of experience and am still learning every day,” said Mary Kom. “My opponent was taller and stronger. It is always tough when you play a taller opponent; because of their reach, they have the advantage. But once inside the ring, I allow my experience to take over.”
Having secured her seventh medal at the World Champion- ships, the most in the competition’s history, Mary Kom would be looking to win her sixth gold medal when she faces Ukraine’s Hanna Okhota, who beat Madoka Wada of Japan by unanimous verdict. Mary and Katie Taylor of Ireland both have five titles each.
In the other semi-final, Lovlina, who had showed great composure in her bouts so far, faced a tricky opponent in Chen, who maintained a safe distance and searched for the right opportunity to strike. Lovlina got a warning and lost a point in the third round for hitting her opponent on the back of her head.
“I had a strong opponent and gave my all. I was targeting gold here after not being able to win a medal at the Commonwealth Games. I was well prepared. My class being an Olympic category now, each round is tough. This experience will help me as I prepare for Olympic qualification,” said Lovlina.