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The day started in despair but there was hope towards the end of it. While Jai Bhagwan, despite leading 3-2 in the first round, lost to Gani Zhailauov of Kazakhstan in the Men’s Light weight category (60 kg), Vijender Singh managed to keep the medal hopes alive by registering a narrow 16-15 win over Terell Gausha of USA in the men’s middleweight (75kg) category.
Jai Bhagwan was the first pugilist in action and he started off rather well. Both the boxers took time to size up each other and Bhagwan made good use of a few opportunities to take a 3-2 lead in the first round.
But the second round saw a different Zhailauov who came out all guns blazing. With an overtly aggressive game, he caught the Indian off guard and earned some crucial points early on. Bhagwan, more as an act of desperation than intent, also tried to throw in a few punches but that worked to the advantage of Zhailauov who exploited a few more openings. Things went from bad to worse for Bhagwan when he received a warning from the referee; the second round ended with a scoreline of 10-3 in favor of Zhailauov.
When the third round began, Bhagwan, with a deficit of 6 points, was clearly up against it. He looked to attack his opponent and gather as many points as possible but Zhailauov displayed great defensive techniques to keep Bhagwan at bay. The bout finally ended with a 16-8 verdict in favor of the Kazakh.
Later in the day, Vijender squared up against an aggressive Gausha who looked to dominate from the word go. Vijender however, brought all experience to the fore and put up a strong defense. He also managed to throw in a few jabs and took the first round 4-3, gaining a one point lead which proved decisive.
The intensity grew several folds in the second round as the duo were determined to not give an inch to the opponent. Both tightened their games and it was only in the last 30 seconds of the round that a few blows were exchanged. The second round ended in a 5-5 verdict.
Starting the third round with a one point lead Vijender looked to evade Gausha and moved around the ring, frustrating the American. Gausha, who was starting to get desperate, tried to bring in some urgency and unleashed a flurry of punches but an equally effective counter attack from Vijender meant that the third round also got tied at 7-7, allowing the Indian to win the bout with a 16-15 margin.
The Beijing bronze medal winner will now face Abbos Atoev from Uzbekistan in the quarterfinals and a win here will guarantee him a second Olympics medal.
