CHENGDU, China — Rudzma Abubakar put on a clinical display at the Sichuan Gymnasium on Friday, securing a convincing 30-27 win over Ukraine’s Anastasiia Mykhailenko in the women’s muay thai -48kg quarterfinals of the 2025 World Games.

Despite facing a taller and longer opponent, Abubakar showed poise and discipline, waiting for the right moment to strike. That breakthrough came in the second round, when a well-placed blow opened a cut on Mykhailenko’s right eyebrow. With the Ukrainian slowed and forced on the defensive, the Filipina took full control of the bout and swept all three rounds on the judges’ scorecards.

Tough semifinal test ahead vs home favorite Xiaohui Lui

Abubakar now moves on to the semifinals, where she is set to face China’s Xiaohui Lui at 6 p.m. on Saturday. Lui defeated Singapore’s Cheryl Gwa Wei Ying in her own quarterfinal bout and is expected to have strong home crowd support.

While the Chinese fighter will be a formidable challenge, Team Philippines remains confident in Abubakar’s chances. “I am confident because Rudzma trained hard for this competition,” said Stephen Arapoc, Team Philippines’ Chef de Mission and president of the national muay thai association.

Abubakar’s campaign is supported by the Philippine Olympic Committee and backed by the Philippine Sports Commission as she continues to chase a medal finish in Chengdu.