President's Cup Boxing: Kanwar Preet enter semis, Vikas exits

Reno News.Net Friday 4th May, 2012

Indian boxer Vikas Krishan (69kg) made a surprise exit from the President's Cup in Kazakhstan here Friday while his compatriot Kanwar Preet Singh (91kg) entered the semifinals in his category.

Rookie Kanwar Preet, playing his first international tournament, displayed admirable talent as he took on Demmene Nadir of Algeria.

The 19-year-old dominated the game with his long reach and attacking play. He led throughout the bout, not allowing the Algerian boxer many chances to score. By the end of the second round there was a six point difference between the two. Kanwar went on to make a place in the semi-finals with an 11:4 win. He is now assured of at least a bronze medal.

Meanwhile, London Olympics-bound boxer Krishan lost to local Kojabekov Bakhitjan in the quarter-finals.

Vikas, who had beaten Ashkeev Madiyar in the pre-quarters, once again made a strong start in the round of eight.

With some precise attacking punches, the 20-year-old quickly took a one-point lead after the opening three minutes of play. But the Kazakh boxer made a strong recovery in the second, taking three points as opposed to the Indian's one.

Vikas tried hard to get back in the final round but Bakhitjan managed to hold on to the advantage and beat Krishan 9:7.

Playing in the same weight category, Lakhbir Singh suffered a similar fate against a silver medallist at World Boxing Championships, Serik Sapiyev of Kazakhstan. The former World Champion proved too strong for the Indian. Lakhbir was completely at bay against the superior tactics and skill of Sapiyev. He was down 2:7 in the second round when the referee stopped the contest and handed victory to the Kazakh.