Two-time world champion Nikhat Zareen cruised to the 50kg quarter finals but seasoned Indian pugilist Shiva Thapa and Sanjeet bowed out of the Asian Games boxing competition here on Wednesday.

Nikhat notched up an easy 5-0 win over South Korea's Chorong Bak in the second round of the women's event.

However, record six-time Asian Championship medallist Shiva couldn't capitalise on a favourable draw as he was beaten comprehensively (5-0) by Kyrgyzstan's Askat Kultaev in the 63.5kg pre-quarter finals.

Sanjeet (92kg) was completely outpunched (5-0) by world championship bronze medallist Lazizbek Mullojonov.

Medal assured

Ramkumar Ramanathan and Saketh Myneni ensured that tennis will contribute to India's medal tally by reaching the men's doubles semi-finals but Sumit Nagal and Ankita Raina drew a blank after losing their respective singles quarter finals.

The second-seeded Indian pair quelled a late challenge from China's Zhizhen Zhang and Yibing Wu for a 6-1, 7-6(8) win in the quarter finals.

Reaching the semi-final stage means that India is assured of at least a bronze.

Rohan Bopanna and partner Rutuja Bhosale inched closer to a mixed doubles medal, winning their pre quarter-final match against 13th seeded Japanese pair of Ayano Shimizu and Shinji Hazawa 6-3, 6-4.

Equestrians shine

Equestrians Hriday Vipul Chheda, Anush Agarwalla and Divyakriti Singh continued their fine show and moved into medal contention after qualifying for the individual dressage final.

Astride his horse Chemxpro, Hriday topped the qualification round with total score of 73.883, while Anush, riding Etro, finished fourth with a score of 71.706.

Riding Adrenalin Firfod, Divyakriti Singh finished 11th with score of 67.676, while Sudipti Hajela was eliminated.

The top 15 riders in qualifying progress to the final

Beckham advances

India's David Beckham Elkatohchoongo shone on the cycling track, making it to the quarter finals in the men's sprint event. David edged out his Kazakhstan rivals Sergey Ponomaryov and Andrey Kazchugay in the final repechage to confirm his last-eight place.