Worapoj, Angkarn storm into semis

Given the result, the two boxers are just a victory away from adding two more spots for Thailand in Beijing, in addition to the five they secured at the World Championships in Chicago last year.

Bantamweight Worapoj survived an opening scare against Holmuratov Ulugbek of Uzbekistan, with the Thai rallying from a two-point deficit to take a narrow 5-4 advantage at the end of the first round. 

The home fighter, however, found his rhythm, and, in the next three rounds used his superior counterpunches to register an impressive 22-10 victory.

Later, Worapoj admitted he was disappointed with his

performance.

"I had never fought him [Ulugbek] before. My form was just average today. I am not at all content with my performance," said Worapoj, a native of Surat Thani.

"I did not get complacent but there was no need to engage in exchanges as I was ahead on points. I tried to catch him on the counter," Worapoj said.

With the victory, Worapoj earned himself a chance to exact revenge on Joan Tipon of the Philippines who defeated

him in the semi-final of the Asian Games in Doha two years ago.

Worapoj expects a close fight against Tipon. "It could be decided by who seizes the opportunity when it arrives," Worapoj said. 

Middleweight Angkarn, who replaced injured Athens bronze medallist Suriya Prasar-thinpimai, was made to work hard against Hassan Karkardi of Iran before running out a deserved 23-18 winner in a thrilling bout.

The wushu exponent-turned-boxer, Angkarn, will face South Korea's Cho Deok-jin in the last four.

Angkarn said facing an orthodox fighter in the Korean would suit him better and was optimistic of his chances of making it through to his first Olympic Games.

Athens gold medallist Manus Boonjumnong will resume his campaign in the quarter-final against Sahatov Berdymurad of Turkmenistan today.

Kitinan Sanguansak

The Nation