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Quarterfinalists found at AIBA World Junior Championships

26.05.2009

AIBA World Junior Championships Yerevan 2009 Official Page
Live Scoring for the AIBA World Junior Championships Yerevan 2009 on www.aiba.org

The quarterfinalists across all 13 weight categories at the AIBA World Junior Championships Yerevan 2009 have been confirmed following the completion of the 54kg, 57kg, 60kg, 63kg, 66kg, 70kg and 80kg preliminaries in the Sport Concert Complex in Yerevan, Armenia on Tuesday.

Two of the top favourites in the 57kg class Edgaras Skurdelis (LTU) and Dmitriy Kulakov (RUS) booked themselves a quarterfinal showdown after beating Chereji James Damian (ROU) 5:1 and Christy Joyce (IRL) 17:6 respectively.

Meanwhile, Austrialian Joseph Nicholls celebrated a comfortable victory in the 57kg preliminaries over Israel's Fares Awad to leave him one bout away from claiming only Australia's second medal at this level, after the referee stopped the bout in the first round.

"The opponent had a bad start and did not manage to correct it," Nicholls' coach Igor Novetski explained. "Every boxer wishes to claim victory at the AIBA World Junior Championships Yerevan 2009 and we are no exception. Joseph's last bout makes me believe he'll claim a medal in this weight category, I'd be glad to have a team victory as well."

The 63kg class featured the closest bout of the day, with Poland's Adrian Plichta beating Maksam Hudayev (UKR) by accepted scores after the final score was tied 4:4. Poland coach Krzysztof Stemplewski took a deep breath after Plichta was recognized as the winner: "Hudayev was a strong opponent, but I'm glad to be lucky today," Stemplewski said. "It would be nice to achieve even a bronze medal at these championships. All the boxers here have a good technique and a unique style so we try to watch their bouts in order to be acquainted with the style and make an analyze for any further bouts."

For all of Plichta's troubles, he must now face one of the favourites Samuel Ordaz Rodriguez (CUB) in Wednesday's quarterfinals. Rodriguez was extremely pleased with his 15:0 victory over Moldova's Petru Ursu and is hoping for more success in his team, which has only seen one defeat in 11 bouts.
"I believe in the highest results at this championship," Rodriguez said. "As the Cuba team is very strong. In saying that our potential opponent is the Russian team and they are also very tough to beat."

The bottom half of the 63kg draw features two exciting quarterfinal match ups with Russia's Magomed Abdulamagomedov taking on Chris Mullally of Ireland and local favourite Volodya Hayrapetyan up against Semajay Thomas (USA) after all four were victorious on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the 66kg favourite Dan Aharono (ISR) will take on another strong contender in Ireland's Michael Reilly in the quarterfinals after beating Germany's Tobias Funke 8:2. Reilly advanced by claiming an excellent 5:4 victory over Marcus Manual Osorio (PUR) who was another favourite for the title.

"Frankly, I experienced a tough bout today as my opponent was very experienced and strong," Reilly said. "Tomorrow I'll also be in the ring, and in case I claim a bronze medal, I'll be very satisfied. This is my first appearance at the world championship, which is important especially for my successful start. Of course, my coaches have more expectations, and I'll work hard to reach the highest level."

Pic: Dan Aharono (ISR) completed a 5:4 victory over Marcus Manual Osorio (PUR)

Wednesday will see a full day of AIBA World Junior Championships quarterfinals starting with the 46kg at 14:00 local time (09:00 GMT).