Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Nesthy Petecio commenced her journey towards another shot at Olympic gold with a spectacular opening-round victory at the World Qualification Tournament in Busto Arsizio, Italy.
The 31-year-old former world champion dominated Serbian Andela Brankovic by knocking her out, securing a swift and decisive referee-stopped contest win just over a minute into the first round.
Petecio advances to face Romanian Maria Claudia Nechita in the second round.
Alongside Petecio, Filipino boxer Rogen Ladon also clinched victory, defeating Italian Emilio Serra Federico with a 4-1 score. However, Riza Pasuit faced disappointment with a 5-0 defeat to Venezuelan Krisandy Rios, exiting the tournament.
Petecio and Ladon aim to secure spots in the Paris Olympics alongside teammates and Tokyo bronze medalist Eumir Marcial, pole-vaulter EJ Obiena, and gymnasts Carlos Yulo and Aleah Finnegan.
Source: PhilNews24 | March 6, 2024
