Shropshire Star

Simran Kaur settles for silver at the Euros

Telford's Simran Kaur settled for silver today after she was defeated in a European Youth and Junior Championship final.

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The 15-year-old was going for gold at 46kg in the junior ranks against Turkey's own Hatice Akbas over three rounds,

writes Craig Birch.

Akbas, a silver medalist at the last World Championships, enjoyed home advantage in the Turkish port city of Ordu and had her hand raised on points by split decision.

Kaur had scored the first meaningful blow of note in the first, measuring a right hook to the head. Back came Akbas with wild hooks that missed their target, but she did score with a left hand.

A regular jab kept Akbas at bay for some of round two, as Kaur looked to get inside for her attack. Akbas landed another left during the session.

A competitive third and final round saw both fighters chase the result, Kaur connecting with a right hand on the turn upstairs as Akbas tried to outwork her.

The cards were called into play, where two judges went for Akbas with the other choosing Kaur, who was pipped to the post.

Second place at the Euros came in just her 15th bout, with this just her second defeat. She was picked by England for the tournament after behind-closed-doors assessments.

Her run had began with her first fight on Tuesday, where she took just over a minute to remove Hungary's Vivien Valko. Eight girls were entered at the weight.

Valko took two standing counts before the referee waved her off on her feet after the second occasion, with Kaur powerful behind the left jab and right hook.

A medal was secured by Saturday afternoon's semi-final victory against Italy's Giulia Alota, who extended her the distance.

She played to her strengths in movement and range to boss the three rounds and claim a unanimous points win, after Alota had kept on coming behind fast hands.

Kaur is a pupil at Hadley Learning Community, where her class-mates have honoured her with their Exceptional Student award for this year.

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