Ireland experienced mixed fortunes at the penultimate Olympic qualifiers in Baku, Azerbaijan today.
Dean Gardiner advanced to the quarter-finals at the tournament, but Dean Walsh bowed out.
Gardiner progressed after his fight with Satish Kumar was stopped late in the second round after the Indian suffered a facial cut following an accidental clash of heads with the scores level. Gardiner got the decision on a split when it went back to the judges.
Gardiner will now meet Viktor Vychryst of the Ukraine in the last-eight three wins away from qualifying for Rio. Super-heavyweights – and heavyweights – must win gold to qualify for August’s Olympics as there is just one place available in the 91kg+ class.
Dean Walsh was beaten on a unanimous decision by Bulgaria’s Smetov Ismetov in the last 32 of the competition in the Azeri capital this afternoon.
No. 1 seed Michael O’Reilly and Darren O’Neill, who won convincingly yesterday, will be in action tomorrow.
Irish Draw Baku Olympic qualifiers
June 18th
91+kg Dean Gardiner (Ireland) v Viktor Vychryst (Ukraine)
Irish Squad