India's Negisetty Usha pulled off a surprise victory over Canadian Sandra Bizier in their first-round bout of the 57-kg category on the second day of the World Women's Boxing Championships in New Delhi on Sunday.
Earlier in the day Kalpana Chowdhry gave the home team its first taste of success in the championships by winning her 48-kg bout earlier in the day at the Talkatora Indoor Stadium.
However, disappointment was in store for the hosts in the 60-kg category as Ibomcha Devi lost to Frenchwoman Lucie Bertaud 13-23.
Usha appeared to be in the attacking mode right from the first round and matched her Canadian opponent with every punch and the first round was tied 5-5.
She was 12-8 at the end of second round and despite Bizier's attempts to increase her tally, Usha carried on with the consistent show to romp home 20-14.
In other matches of the day in the 46-kg category, Rina Na of China defeated Italian Calabrese 25-16; Branbayeva of Kazakhstan defeated Derya Aktov of Turkey 12-8 while Sofia Mehlot of Denmark knocked out Chou Hsin Chen of Chinese Taipei 28-26.
Yum Kum Zu of North Korea defeated Elena of Russia 15-8; Szuknia of Hungary defeated Ikram Salem of Morocco 20-9 while Chien Hsin Tzu of Chinese Taipei lost to Bin Wu of China 8-20 in the 57-kg category.
{{/usCountry}}Yum Kum Zu of North Korea defeated Elena of Russia 15-8; Szuknia of Hungary defeated Ikram Salem of Morocco 20-9 while Chien Hsin Tzu of Chinese Taipei lost to Bin Wu of China 8-20 in the 57-kg category.
{{/usCountry}}A total of 181 boxers, including 13 from India, are taking part in the event that is being held in 13 weight categories.
The winner in each category will receive $2,500, the runner-up $1,500.