Nesthy Petecio scores 1st win in Tokyo Olympics

Nesthy Petecio scored her first win in the Tokyo Olympics.

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Nesthy Petecio's quest for Tokyo Olympic gold got off to a good start on Saturday after beating Marcelat Sakobi Matshu of Congo in the first round of the women's featherweight boxing event at the Kokugikan Arena in the Japanese capital.

After a tight first round, Petecio showed her dominant form in the final six minutes to edge Matshu.

In the unanimous decision favoring Petecio, one of the five judges had it 29-28, but the other four jurors all gave a perfect 30 for her.

A tall order awaits Petecio in the second phase on Monday as she battles no less than top seed Lin Ti-Yun of Chinese Taipei.

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