Reigning champion M C Merykom kept her hopes of defending her title alive by moving into the final of the 46 kg class while other Indians settled for four bronze medals in the women's 3rd World Boxing Championships at Podolsk, near Moscow [Images] in Russia [Images].

Merycom, who was the silver medal winner in the inaugural edition of the championships, outclassed local hope Sabitova Elena with scores of 31:16 in the semi-finals on Friday.

Amateur Indian Boxing Federation General secretary Col Muraliraja said though four others went out of the contention for top honours, the Russian Boxing Federation was impressed by the Indians' performance.

"It urged the AIBA to consider training a Russian women's team in India in December this year for which all boarding and lodging expenses would be met by the Russian government," he said.

Those who faltered at the semi-finals hurdle included Kalpana Choudhary, who lost to Italy's [Images] Galassi Simona, the champion in the 50 kg category. Choudhary lost 12:29.

L Sarita Devi (54 kg) and Aswathy Mol (70 kg) both bowed out in identical fashion as they suffered defeats against Burger Dina of Switzerland [Images] and Slavinskaya Olga of Russia respectively when referee stopped the contest in round two.

After getting a bye in the previous round, Jyotsana was tested against Yarali Semsi of Turkey but lost by RSC in round one in her 86 kgs class bout.