Three Indians advance to round of 16,Suranjoy loses

With Vijender Singh crashing out of the World Championships,long-time room-mate and training partner Dinesh Kumar had a sleepless night

With Vijender Singh crashing out of the World Championships,long-time room-mate and training partner Dinesh Kumar had a sleepless night on Saturday. But the Asian Games silver medalists fears were unrealised as he beat Bosko Draskovojic of Montenegro 16-7 in the light heavy-weight (81 kg) category before the referee disqualified Draskovojic for bending too much.

Vijender has been a close friend. We have seen each other win and lose for many years and understand each other. Vijender was of course disappointed but when we talked to him,he instead began talking about our bouts. He cheered from outside and boosted our confidence as well, said Dinesh,speaking from Baku.

While Dineshs win set the tempo for the Indian team,CWG gold medalist Manoj Kumar was impressive in his 19-7 win over fourth seed and European champion Raymond Moylette of Ireland in the 64 kg category. But Asian Games gold medallist Vikas Krishan had to endure tense moments before being declared winner against 2011 European championship silver medalist and seventh seeded Mohamed Nurudzinau of Belarus on countback both had not only scored 10-10 in the bout but were also tied in each of the rounds.

Disappointing result

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The major disappointment of the day,however,was Suranjoy Singhs ouster from the tournament. Suranjoy lost 14-17 to Mongolias ninth seed Nyambayar Tugstsogt in the 52 kg category. He was leading 13-12 at the end of the second round but the Mongolian came back strongly to take the last round 5-1 and the match.

Vijender and Suranjoy were our in-form boxers and we are disappointed with the result. But youngsters like Manoj and Jai Bhagwan have done well and we are hopeful of claiming 2-3 quota places, said national coach GS Sandhu.

Three Indians will be in fray on Monday,looking to book a spot in the round of 16. Akhil Kumar (56 kg) will lock horns with world number 4,John Nevin of Ireland. Debutant L Devendro Singh (49 kg) will battle against Joselito Velazquez of Mexico while Asian Games silver medallist Manpreet Singh (91 kg) will take on Dzhakon Qurbanov of Tijikistan.

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