Geeta Phogat defeated at London 2012

Indian wrestler Geeta Phogat was defeated by Canadian Tonya Lynn Verbeek in the quarter-final match of the Women’s 55 kg Freestyle Wrestling event, by a score of 3-1

Despite the Indian being the underdog, her intentions were good as she started well.

Towards the close of the first period, however, the 34-year-old Canadian pinned her 23-year-old opponent to give her an advantage as the second leg began.

Phogat started with much more zeal and verve in the second half, and her endeavours paid off as she took down her Canadian counterpart with only seconds remaining in extended time of the second period.

It was winner take all as the final round began, but a highly effective takedown from Verbeek meant she was up by three points to one as the final round ended. Phogat could’ve pulled level, but her takedown was ruled out as the Canadian’s hand was touching the red zone of the mat, meaning the takedown did not count.

Phogat’s only method of progress is if Verbeek reaches the final of the tournament, allowing the Indian to advance via the repechage rule.