4 Indians in semis of Mongolia boxing

New Delhi: India were assured of four medals at the Ulaanbaatar Cup in Mongolia after four boxers, including Sonia Lather (57kg), advanced to the semifinals. Joining her in the Last-4 stage were Lovlina Borgohain (69kg), Himanshu Sharma (49kg) and Ashish (64kg). All the four boxers are guaranteed of at least a bronze medal each. Sarjubala Devi (51kg) bowed out in the quarterfinal stage after losing a close bout to Mongolian Myagmardulam Nandinsetseg 1-4. Sonia defeated local favourite Myagmar Gundegmaa to make the Last-4 stage. Lovlina was equally dominating in her 5-0 win over Thailand's Suchada Panich. Himanshu defeated Chinese Taipei's Po Wei Tu in a unanimous verdict. Also advancing with a 5-0 win was Ashish, who put it past South Korea's Kim Song Yun in a clinical performance. Earlier, Shiva Thapa (60kg), Mandeep Jangra (69kg), Salman Sheikh (52kg) and Etash Khan (56kg) booked their quarters berths. 

Geneva (Switzerland)

Modest start for Sharmila in Geneva

Sharmila Nicollet started the Lavaux Ladies Championship with a 4-over 76 in the first round on the LET Access Tour here. Sharmila was lying T-67th and will need a steady second round to make the cut. Emie Peronnin of France shot an opening a 5-under 67 to take the lead.   

Karachi

Shehzad fails dope test, risks suspension 

Pakistan opener Ahmed Shehzad has failed a dope test and risks a minimum suspension of three to six months for violating the anti-doping laws.  Shehzad tested positive during the Pakistan Cup One-day tournament held in April-May in Faisalabad. 

New Delhi

UTT: Young Thakkar trumps World No. 18  

Young Indian paddler Manav Thakkar stunned world No. 18 Kristian Karlsson 2-1, inspiring Empowerji Challengers to a 15-6 victory over Maharashtra United in the CEAT Ultimate Table Tennis here tonight.  The 18-year-old Thakkar rattled his Swedish rival, ranked 223 places above him, with an attacking display to win 11-9 8-11 11-8. — Agencies