Nesthy Petecio nears Olympic medal after stunning top seed

Nesthy Petecio just hurdled past her biggest challenge in her Tokyo Olympic bid.

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Nesthy Petecio moved closer to securing a Tokyo Olympic medal for the Philippines after stunning top seeded Lin Yu-Ting of Chinese Taipei in their women's featherweight boxing clash on Monday at the Kokugikan Arena in the Japanese Capital.

Petecio surged ahead in Round 1 with her solid shots to Lin, which were enough to impress Judges Muhammad Putra Pohan, Susann Kopke, Yaroslav Renev, and Mohamed Besmi to give Petecio the round.

Wilfredo Vasquez saw it otherwise, however, and gave a 10-9 to Lin.

In Round 2, however, Lin somehow bounced back and got 10-9's from Vasquez, Putra Pohan, Kopke, and Besmi.

Renev was still impressed with Petecio in Round 2 and gave her the 10-9 tally.

After a tight Round 3, Vasquez and Kopke had it 29-28 for Lin, but Putra Pohan, Renev, and Besmi all gave the 29-28 win to Petecio, and the Filipina got the 3-2 split decision win.

Petecio only needs to win her quarterfinal match to assure herself of at least a bronze medal.

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