Sanaullah beaten, but can still reach World C’ships

KARACHI: Pakistan’s Sanaullah lost to Jakhon Qurbanov of Tajikistan in the 91 kg quarter-final of the Asian Boxing Championships at the Uzbekistan Sports Complex in Tashkent on Wednesday.

Experienced Sanaullah failed to live up to the expectations as his rival wrapped-up the fight comprehensively 5-0.

The points break-up from the five judges was 30-26, 30-27, 30-26, 30-26 and 27-30 in favour of the Tajik, who qualified for the World Championships to be held in Hamburg, Germany, later this year.

Despite the defeat, Sanaullah’s chances of qualifying for the World Championships are alive as six leading boxers in each weight category will qualify for the global event.

If the Tajik who beat Sanaullah in the quarter-finals reaches the final Sanaullah will find a place in the World Championships.

Pakistan’s main medal hope Awais Ali Khan was scheduled to face Yerik Alzhanov of Kazakhstan in the 81 kg quarter-final on late Wednesday night.

On Tuesday night, Gul Zeb lost to Wei Liu of China in the 69 kg pre-quarter-final.

Mohibullah, Syed Mohammad Asif, Suleman Baloch and Tanvir Ahmed have already been eliminated.