Amritpreet storms into semifinals

Heavyweight boxer Amritpreet Singh (91kg) became the second Indian pugilist to advance to the medal rounds after defeating Yousef al-Nubani of Jordan 16-9 in the quarterfinals of the Asian Youth Boxing Championship in Subic bay, Philippines on Wednesday.

In an exciting encounter, the 18-year-old Amritpreet made a slow start but soon gained in momentum to power past his Jordan rival.

Abhishek Beniwal (81kg) also made the semifinals of the light heavyweight category by virtue of a bye. Their semifinal bouts are on Friday.

Earlier, six other boxers made it to the quarterfinals.

Narender Berwal (+91kg) advanced to the quarters after drubbing Roshan Hettiarchchi of Sri Lanka. He now takes on Dastan Kurmanbetov from Kazakhstan in the next round.

Lalitha Prasad (49kg) and Sandeep Sharma (75kg) also made it to the round of eight after upsetting their respective opponents in the pre-quarters. While Prasad beat Zhalgas Seikdakhan of Kazakhstan, Sandeep overpowered Aiaman Iliasov from Kyrgyzstan.

Dinesh (64kg) also made it past Asela Thuduwewatta of Sri Lanka to cement his place in the round of eight. Nagesh Kharare (60kg) and Manjeet Singh Panghal (69kg) were the others advancing to the quarterfinals.

Kavinder Bisht (52kg) and Aman Indora (56kg) lost in the first round.