India’s Sonia Lather battled hard but China’s Yin Junhua displayed her class and experience in the 57 kg final on Wednesday to win by unanimous decision.
Lather, though, can be proud of the way she took the fight to the Rio silver medallist, especially in the final round.
Yin was in imperious form in the first two rounds and the Indian was unable to cope with the onslaught. The Chinese was severe with her cross punches and regularly cornered her opponent in the ring, leaving Lather with little scope to attack.
The Chinese World No 5 was on her toes in defence too, and managed to either duck and fend off the 25-year-old Indian’s counter-punches. The final minute of the second round saw Lather throw a couple of impressive hooks, but the damage was already done.
For much of the final round, Yin avoided Lather’s punches. Despite ending the bout well, there was little doubt over the result.
This is Yin’s first Asian Championship medal to go with her Olympic and World Championship medals. Lather, meanwhile, picked up her first silver medal in the event.
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