Alitun, the only Turkish woman in the ring yesterday, was in devastating form against Halavach. Opening with a fierce attack, Alitun peppered her opponent with kicks and a series of heavy punches.

In the first round Alitun cut Halavach's eyebrow with a sharp punch, which caused blood to flow freely. The referee stepped in to stop the contest and took Halavach for a medical check-up. Alitun celebrated her victory with the cheering Turkish supporters at the ringside.

Turkey's other preliminary-round victories also came from Firki Arican, Gorkem Temur and Adem Bozkurt in the men's 60kg, 63.5kg and 67kg categories respectively.

Hakan Yildiz registered the first win for Turkey after he wrapped up a three-round contest against Japanese challenger Kazuki Aliaksei, thanks mainly to his hard punches and powerful kicks in the men's 51kg category.

Thailand had only six fighters in action yesterday, but only four advanced. Somkiart Tumanin lost to Uzbekistan's Allshek Agzamov on points in the men's 67kg class, while Chatcharit Thongmun was knocked out by Belarussian Valsuk Aliaksande in the first minute of his fight.

More than 600 boxers and officials from 44 countries are taking part in the week-long meet, vying for honours in 44 categories including 14 men's classes and 16 junior divisions.

Preechachan

Wiriyanupappong

The Nation

Pathum Thani