One of the top medal favorites for the Philippines, the silver medalist from the Tokyo Olympics lost her initial match to Lin Yu Ting of Chinese Taipei by split decision on September 29 in the women's 57kg division at the Hangzhou Gymnasium.
One judge gave Petecio the win, but the other four gave Lin the win. Lin won titles in the previous two World Boxing Championships.
The 5-foot-9 Lin, who is a two-time Asian champion as well, dominated the first round of their round of 16 match and did just enough in the final two frames to win 30-27, 30-27, 29-28, 29-28, 28-29.
Petecio's opportunity to compete for an automatic spot in the Paris Olympics and earn her first medal at the Asian Games was lost as a result of the defeat.
The pride of Davao would have been able to enter Paris with just a semifinal appearance. Petecio needs to compete in the World Championship to try to qualify for the Olympics again and fulfill what had been an unfinished task for her after the defeat.
Petecio joined Aira Villegas, Mark Ashley Fajardo, Irish Magno, Aaron Jude Bado, Riza Pasuit, and Marjon Pianar as the newest Filipino fighters to be eliminated. In their respective weight classes, Carlo Paalam, Eumir Marcial, and John Marvin are still in contention. (Romeo Braceros Jr.)