Chinese boxers Zou Shiming and Hu Qing outpowered their opponents respectively to cruise through to the finals of the boxing tournament in the 15th Asian Games here on Monday.

Zou, an Athens Olympic bronze medalist and the 2005 world champion, defeated Hong Moo Won of South Korea with a 17-9 win.

Zou showcased his flexible footwork which made his Korean rival hard to catch up, and the heavy punches launched by the aggressive Hong always failed to find its target.

"It was not as easy as the matches before, I played very carefully today, because it is the first time that I have fought against him," said Zou.

He told that after two bouts, the coach told him to try to keep it and save for the final. Zou will take on Pannon Suban of Thailand for the gold match on Wednesday.

Hu Qing scored a surprise 29-18 win over Genebert Basadre of the Philippines to reach the 60kg category final. The Filipino, the 2005 Southeast champion, was unimpressive from the first bell.

"I have done better in distance control. Actually, I am the tallest boxer and have the longest arm in this class of the world. It is a very important advantage for me," said Hu.

Silamu Hanati, a competent Chinese boxer was too hasty to maintain a 5-point lead in a clash with Kazakhstan's Bakht Sarsekbayev, a Busan Games silver medalist.

"I will train hard in the next two years to take the gold medal in the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008. You know, I am only 21 years old, and my main opponents in the world are older than I," said Hanati.

In a most thrilling semifinal, Worapoj Petchkoom, the 2004 Athens Olympic silver medalist, lost to Joan Tipon of the Philippines. The Thai failed to match the speed and agility of the Filipino and was decided defeated though the two tied in the end.

In the heavy weight class, Dildabekov Mukharkhan of Kazakhstan was merciless as he annihilated India's Varghese Johnson, forcing the Indian coach to throw in the towel in the fourth round.

However, the Indian, whose opponent in the quarterfinal failed to appear for health reasons, has got a bronze medal.