Rohtak (Haryana), Jan 11 (IANS) World youth championships gold medallist Shashi Chopra entered the final of the featherweight category to set up a high-octane clash against Asian Championships silver medallist Sonia Lather at the 2nd Elite Womens Boxing Championship here on Thursday.

Shashi had to toil to emerge triumphant as Sonia of Andhra Pradesh — her opponent in the semi-finals — had done her homework well and had answers to her strategy.

Sonia used her height to land her jabs and hooks while she kept a safe distance and was in the mood to end Shashi’s winning momentum.

However, Shashi’s undying spirit kept her alive in the bout as she launched a tremendous fightback.

After being bogged down from the first round, she got back at her opponent and countered with her nimble feet and after the end of three rounds she registered a slender 3-2 win.

In the flyweight category, Nikhat Zareen looked to be on course to get back to winning ways after her return to the ring but Ritu (Haryana) had other ideas as she upset the Telangana boxer with a comprehensive 4-1 victory.

World Championship silver medalist Sarju Bala of Manipur assured her spot into the finals as she defeated Meenakshi of Railways with a comfortable 4-1 scoreline.

Although the spirited Meenakshi managed to sneak in a point, she couldn’t destroy the Manipuri’s momentum as she stayed on course to defend her title.

In the heavy weight category, three-time medallist from the Asian Championship Kavita Chahal also set up an enticing final clash against 2017 Asian Championship bronze medallist Seema Poonia.

Both boxers emerged triumphant in a lop-sided affair as they registered convincing 5-0 wins in their respective semi-finals bouts.

In another encounter, the veteran Laishram Sarita Devi also stayed on course for a gold with a 5-0 win to set up a final clash against Pavitra of Railways.

–IANS
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