(UPDATE) NESTHY Petecio of the Philippines looks to secure a medal at the Paris Olympics women's 57 kilogram (kg) at the North Paris on Sunday evening (Manila time).

Petecio faces Chinese Xu Zichun at 9:30 p.m. in the quarterfinals, and a win would guarantee her or the latter at least a bronze medal as a semifinalist.

The 32-year-old Petecio advanced to the quarters after defeating home bet and third seed Amina Zidani in the round of 16 via majority decision early Saturday.

After a narrow loss in the first frame, the first Philippine female boxer to medal at the Olympics came back roaring in the last two frames to convince the judges.

A Tokyo Olympics silver medalist, Petecio displayed her power, especially in the last round as she battered Zidani, who couldn't match the Filipino's work rate en route to the triumph that silenced the home crowd.

Petecio began her medal bid by earning a unanimous decision over Indian Jaismine Lamboria in the round of 32 on July 31.

The pride of Davao is one of the boxers who are still in contention for a medal finish in Paris, with the other two being Carlo Paalam (men's 57 kg) and Aira Villegas (women's 50 kg).

Eumir Marcial (men's 80 kg) and Hergie Bacyadan (women's 75 kg) both lost in their respective opening bouts.

Paalam, another Tokyo Olympics silver medalist, was facing Aussie Charlie Senior in the quarterfinals on Saturday evening.

A win guarantees a bronze medal finish for him.

On the other hand, Villegas was taking on French Wassila Lkhadiri in the quarterfinals of her division as she likewise was looking to lock up a medal early Sunday.

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