LONDON : Gani Zhailauov of Kazakhstan won a controversial first-round fight on a point count-back over Saylom Ardee in Olympics lightweight (60kg) boxing on Sunday night.
Official result of Sunday's fight shows that Saylom received fewer points overall, even though the official result was a 12-12 draw.
The fight was stopped for a minute in the first round with 50 seconds left after the Khon Kaen fighter, in his second Olympics, bloodied the Kazakh's nose.
It resumed after 30 seconds of medical attention, and Zhailauov was a changed boxer, taking the fight to the bigger Saylom.
Saylom won the first round 5-4, but the fight was tied 8-8 after the second.
Saylom seemed to score at least twice as many punches as the Kazakh in the final round, but the judges scored it even, with Zhailauov getting the decision.
Zhailauov was surprised by the decision - as was Saylom, who had raised his hands after the final bell, thinking like most of the spectators that he had won.
The bout was a draw on points, 12-12. But on the count-back of points given by individual judges, Zhailauov outscored Saylom 37-33.
That was the official explanation why the Kazakh won the bout, but it did not end the controversy in the crowd and at home, where many spectators believed that the judges had missed a lot of punches by the Thai fighter.
One of the many punches (top) that convinced Saylom (in blue) and many spectators that the Thai had won the fight - and not just because the Kazakh suffered a bloody nose. (Reuters photos)
Saylom expressed his frustration at losing out on what he thought was a merited victory over the fifth seed.
"I definitely had an extra point in the final round," said the two-time winner of the King's Cup.
"However, the judges didn't award it. Maybe they only see one side of the ring," he added.
Saylom, who had been egged on by a vociferous group of supporters, said he was convinced he had done enough even after the final bell.
"Even after the third round I was certain I had won," he said. "I believe I won but the judges' decision says otherwise."
Saylom, who led 5-4 after the first round with the fight then being tied at 8-8 going into the final round, said he was not thinking of lodging an objection.
"However, my coach may feel otherwise."
Monday is a make-or-break day for the Thai weightlifting team as their last two female athletes will be in action, reports Kittipong Thongsombat from London.
Pimsiri Sirikaew and Rattikan Gulnoi will both compete in the women's 58kg division after teammates Sirivimon Pramongkhol and Panida Khamsri, the other two Thai female lifters in the tournament, both finished empty-handed in the 48kg class on Saturday.
Although there are three Thai male weightlifters in London, they are not considered medal contenders.
"We must forget the disappointment in the 48kg competition," said Intarat Yodbangtoey, president of the Thai Amateur Weightlifting Association of Thailand.
"The failure won't affect our campaign in the 58kg competition."
Pimsiri is considered Thailand's best hope in weightlifting but she will face formidable opponents from China and Belarus.
Belarus' Nastassia Novikava lifted 237kg total to win the 2011 world title as Pimsiri of Khon Kaen came in third with 230kg.
Li Xueying of China lifted 238 kilogrammes to win the Asian Games title in 2010.
Pimsiri, 23, won at this year's Asian Championships with a total effort of 231kg while 19-year-old Rattikan, was a bronze medallist in the event with 226kg.
Intarat admitted that the competition was tougher than he had expected.
Looking on the bright side, Sirivimon and Panida's failure might be a good omen for the Thai weightlifting squad as his history may repeat itself.
At the 2008 Beijing Games, the weightlifting team also opened with failure in the women's 48kg but Prapawadee Jaroenrattanatarakoon then claimed gold in the 53kg category.
Chatchai begins campaign
Flyweight Chatchai Butdee should beat Turkey's Eker Selcuk in the first round of the 52kg division Monday.
The 27-year-old, who is making his Olympic debut, is considered Thailand's best bet in boxing after the draw.
Coach Thong Taweekhun said Chatchai had improved considerably.
"It will not be difficult for him to beat the Turk," he said.
Chatchai would face the winner between Ramirez Carrazana of Cuba and Susa Katsuaki of Japan in the next round.
"I think he can win a medal," Thong said.
But the 21-year-old Turkish cannot be underestimated. He was a runner-up at this year's European Olympic qualifying event in his homeland.
While three Thai boxers qualified for the Olympics, six from Turkey are in London.