India, Oct. 30 -- Barely had the referee's whistle signalled the start of the women's 59kg final in Astana when Abigail Elizabeth Nette of the US seized Manisha Bhanwala's left leg in a swift attack. The move was so quick, the grip so tight, that despite her best efforts, Manisha could not wriggle free of her opponent's clutches.

Manisha turned, twisted and hopped on one leg in defence for nearly 30 seconds, but Abigail refused to let go, eventually throwing her down for four points at the edge of the mat. India challenged the call but lost. Manisha was down 0-5.

It was soon 0-6, and Manisha was staring at defeat. A push-out towards the end of the first period earned her a point and a measure of confidence. In the second period, Manisha...