Two Thais punch their way into women's finals
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Two Thais, Peamwilai Laopeam and Sopida Sasomsap, fought their way to finals of the women's boxing competition at the SEA Games in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday.
Sopida set the ball rolling for the Thai camp in the 51kg division, securing a unanimous decision over her Filipino opponent at the Wunna Theikdi Sports Complex.
After being handed a bye in the opening round, Sopida was on the front foot from the opening bell, launching a barrage of punches that overwhelmed her rival. The Thai now faces Vietnam’s Ngvyen Thi Yen in the final.
“I was happy with my form today. Despite only having two fights for the gold medal, I face a tough opponent in the final. She’s a capable fighter as well.
“I had few fights to prepare for these Games, which is a problem. However, I’ll give it my all. I’m smaller than her, but I’ll show a bigger heart,” said Sopida, who is bidding to win her third Games gold medal.
Like Sopida, Peamwilai is eyeing a hat-trick of gold medals in Myanmar and she quickly followed her compatriot by securing a majority decision over another Filipino opponent in the 54kg category.
Looking well short of her best, Peamwilai was made to work hard before managing to sneak her way into the final, with two judges scoring the fight in her favour while the other ruled it a draw.
“I’m glad to make it through to the final but it was a tiring fight today. My movement wasn’t good and she had an awkward style,” said Peamwilai.
