Jordan boxers get ready for medal rush

AMMAN — Jordan’s boxing team is preparing for one of the most important days in its history with no less than three fighters in semifinal action at the Asian Games on Thursday. Following some stunning performances, Ihab Darweesh takes on Ali Mazaheri (91kg), Obada Al Kasbeh faces Charly Suarez of the Philippines (60kg) and Odai Al Hindawi meets Wilfredo Lopez of the Philippines (75kg), with places in the gold medal matches up for grabs. The fighters have already guaranteed bronze medals for their efforts but they are all confident of making the finals. Meanwhile, Wednesday was another frustrating day for the taekwondo and the wrestling teams. Eman Al Adaileh (46kg) and Shahd Al Tarman (57kg) lost their opening round contests in the women’s taekwondo competition while Nabil Al Hassan was knocked out early in the men’s 80kg division. There were also defeats for Abdallah Al Shahin (85kg) and Hani Al Marafi (130kg) in the Greco-Roman Wrestling events. Marafi returned to action late Wednesday via the repechage rule, after his opponent reached the final, where he lost to China’s Qiang Meng 3-1.