Vijender scripts history, first Indian in World semis

New Delhi: Olympic bronze medalist Vijender Singh (75 kg) on Wednesday scripted history, ensuring India's maiden medal at the World Boxing championship by advancing to the semifinals in Milan, Italy.

Vijender, who is world number 2 and has been given the top seeding in Milan, defeated Sergiy Derevyanchenko of Ukraine 12-4 in his quarterfinal bout on Wednesday night.

"It turned out to be an easy one for me. I was leading from the very start and I am happy to have scripted another history for India," the pugilist said.

Vijender had last year won India its first medal in boxing at the Beijing Olympics.

The 23-year old was recently awarded the Khel Ratna.