Chhotu, Sarita advance in World Championship

New Delhi, Nov 20 (UNI) Venus Cup gold medallists Chhotu Laura and L Sarita Devi won their preliminary bouts in the 50 kg and 52 kg categories respectively in the fourth World Women Boxing Champinship here today.

While Chhotu beat Delphine Mancini of France for the second consecutive time after the Venus Cup final in a one-sided encounter, Sarita, who had been starving for some days to be in the 52 kg category, upset last World Championship's silver medallist Sumyera Kaya of Turkey.

Chhotu opened the day's proceedings in the championship and made a great start, leading 6-0 in the first few minutes. The 22-year-old then slowed down a bit as Delphine tried to recover from the onslaught.

Chhotu continued to attack in the second round and the shocked Frenchwoman spent most of the time trying to duck the Indian, which also invited a warning from the referee.

The Haryana-girl counter-attacked in the final round on her coach's instructions and won the match 19-9.

''Chhotu is a counter-attacking boxer. She knows how to take advantage whenever her opponents let the guard down. Moreover, she knew this French girl very well after having faced her in the Venus Cup final,'' assistant coach Chander Lal said after the bout.

''I just played from my mind and followed the coach's instructions,'' added Chhotu.

Meanwhile, despite not having eaten properly for quite a few days to get into the 52 kg category, Sarita pulled off a major upset by beating Sumeyra.

The Indian led from the start and used her straight right punch well to beat the Turk 18-6.

''I have played against her before and knew her strategy very well,'' she said after the upset win.

Sarita will now take on Maarit Teuronen of Finland in the next round.

UNI PM AY BD1732