Dhankar takes Punjab Royals to PWL semis with decisive win

Amit Dhankar conjured up a decisive win under pressure against Haryana Hammers' Praveen Rana to steer Punjab Royals to the semifinals of the Pro Wrestling League (PWL), here Saturday.

The tie was locked 3-3 when Dhankar and Rana took the mat, their teams' fortunes depending on them and eventually it was the Punjab wrestler who delivered in the men's 74kg category.

Before Amit, Cynthia Vescan, Bajrang Punia and Dato Magarishvili won their respective bouts.

Earlier, the new find of PWL-4 in the men's section Ravi Kumar of Hammers defeated Nitin Rathi of Punjab 9-2 in the men's 57kg category.

The 2018 European championships bronze medallist Cynthia Vescan brought Punjab back by winning the close women's 76kg bout against Kiran 4-3.

Padamshree and world championships silver medallist Bajrang Punia did not let the advantage slip, getting the better of compatriot Rajneesh 6-2 in the men's 65kg category.

World junior champion Anastasia Nichita got the Hammers back with a massive 13-0 win ...