In 48kg category, Haryana state champion and the bronze medallist at the 2011 senior nationals, Mamta entered the ring looking to avenge last year's defeat against the 19-year-old Manipuri boxing sensation, and she made her intentions clear at the beginning of the first round itself.
Taking full advantage of her height, Mamta overpowered Sarju with her long reaching arms and did not allow the multiple youth national champion to play her natural game.
Mamta led 5-4 at the end of the first two minutes of the play and then continued with similar tactics in the second round as well. Her strategy paid off and midway through the bout she had a three point advantage (5-3).
In the third round, Sarju upped the ante and was able to get the better of her opponent after Mamta was given a warning for a foul punch.
Things seem to be turning in favour of the Manipuri boxer, but drama unfolded in the fourth round when she got a caution herself, for intentionally putting her head down.
After an intense eight minutes of play in total, it was Mamta who triumphed by virtue of points (20-17) and advanced to the final round of the championship. (MORE)
