Narwal outsmarts Youth Olympic champion Agustin in India Open

Haryana youngster Pawan Narwal outsmarted Youth Olympics gold medallist Brian Arregui Agustin in the 69kg category as all the five boxers in the men's section advanced to the quarterfinals of the second India Open here Tuesday.

The Argentine dominated the first round but the the 21-year-old Indian slowly made a come back with his clever footwork to win 4-1 in a split decision.

"It was a close fight. He was dangerous with his left hook and landed powerful punches. Pawan outworked him with his clever footwork which was the key," India's chief performance director Santiago Nieva told PTI.

"He (Narwal) really applied the pressure and the Argentine could not sustain in the end. He scored very well from the outside. It was a fair decision," Nieva said of the bout, adding that the Haryana lad needs some more international exposure.

Narwal will next face Clair Marven of Mauritius for a place in the semifinals.

Having lost out four years of competitions at junior level due to suspension of ...