Veteran L Sarita Devi and rookie Manisha Moun gave India a flying start in the women's World Boxing Championships with dominating victories in their respective bouts here yesterday.

While Manisha punched above her weight to outclass veteran American Christina Cruz in an unanimous verdict in 554kg, while 2006 edition gold medallist Sarita (60kg) had to work harder to win 4-0 on points against Diana Sandra Brugger of Switzerland. Both Sarita and Manisha advanced to the pre-quarter-finals where they will face Kellie Herrington of Ireland and Dina Zholaman of Kazakhstan respectively tomorrow.