Nikhat in last-8, Gaurav enters pre-quarterfinals

New Delhi, February 16 

Gaurav Solanki (52kg) advanced to the men’s pre-quarters, while Nikhat Zareen (51kg) made the women’s quarterfinals of the 70th Strandja Memorial Boxing Tournament in Sofia, Bulgaria. Zareen defeated Italy’s Giovanna Marchese in her opening clash, while Solanki got the better of American Abraham Perez. 

Also advancing to the pre-quarters in the men’s competition was Ankush Dahiya (60kg). Dahiya claimed a split verdict over Azerbaijan’s Sarkhan Aliyev and Macedonian Jasin Ljama awaits him in the last-16 stage. 

Gaurav Bidhuri (56kg) bowed out following a first-round loss to local favourite Emanuil Bogoev in a split decision. Ashish Kumar (75kg) and Ashish (64kg) also lost their respective bouts in split decisions. 

In the women’s 60kg category, Neeraj defeated Bulgarian Aslahan Mehmedova. Pinki Jangra lost to Filipino Irish Magno in a split verdict. Two other women boxers whose campaign ended early were Nupur (75kg) and Neetu (75kg). While Nupur went down to Italian Jessica Galizia 3-2, Neetu lost 0-5 to Russia’s Elena Gapeshina. — PTI

Irfan, Soumya on top in Nationals 

Chennai: KT Irfan of Kerala and his statemate B Soumya emerged the winners in the 20km race walk (elite) in the Open National Race Walking Championship. Irfan won the in 1 hr, 26 min, 18s, well below the World Championship qualification standard of 1 hr, 22min, 30s. Haryana athletes Devendar Singh and Sandeep Kumar were second and third, respectively. In the women’s event, Soumya won in 1 hr, 40 min, 25s, while Priyanka of UP and Ravina of Haryana took the second and third places, respectively.

Lahiri set to miss cut after poor show

Los angeles: Anirban Lahiri is all set to miss the cut with disastrous 7-over after playing 33 holes on a rain-affected second day at the Genesis Open. Meanwhile, Justin Thomas was leading the pack, having completed 12 holes in his second round and remained 5-under.