Teenage boxer Shiva Thapa humbled Athens Olympics silver medallist Worapoj Petchkoon of Thailand to enter the semi-finals of the 56 kg category at the Asian Olympic qualifying event here yesterday. The Indian is now one step away from making the London Games.
The 18-year-old caused a major upset in the quarter-finals defeating Petchkoon 16:10. Shiva, who beat Afghan boxer Mohammad Khaiber Nooristani in the pre-quarters, made a solid start against the Thai, taking a vital two point lead after the opening round (5:3).
Shiva Thapa
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In the second, he opened the gap with some powerful hitting to make it a seven point game (12:5). Shiva held off an impressive comeback from Worapoj to win the bout.
With the victory, the 2010 Youth Olympic silver medallist has now assured himself of at least a bronze medal. — IANSu00a0
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