Chinese lightweight (60 kg) boxer Hu Qing was eliminated in the quarterfinals at the Beijing Olympic Games on Tuesday by Daouda Sow from France.

Hu lagged behind in the first three rounds and it was 4-5 when the third round ended. Hu recollected himself and succeeded in making it 6-5 at the beginning of the fourth round.

However, Hu was penalized two points for holding, and then the French boxer made two straight points and ended the match 9-6.

After the competition, Hu said he felt wronged for being penalized over holding, as he was open-armed at that moment.

Hu said Tuesday's match was the easiest one for him since he went onto the ring at the Beijing Olympic Games, "because everything was under control."

Despite the defeat, Hu commended Sow for good footwork and speed, saying he had watched videos of all Sow's bouts in the last year.

Sow, on having guaranteed himself a medal, said he was very happy because "now my name will be in every book as an Olympic medalist."

Sow said he would strive for the gold.

(Xinhua News Agency August 19, 2008)