Kellie Harrington claims gold medal at European Games

Kellie Harrington added a European Games gold medal to her collection as she secured a comprehensive victory over Serbia's Natalia Shadrina.

Harrington took the fight to her opponent in the opening round, looking to make an early impression with the judges, and while she enjoyed some success, Shadrina stood firm and was happy to take a punch to throw some powerful shots whenever she got into range.

The judges found it hard to separate the two with the Serbian fighter just edging the opening round 3:2.

Harrington appeared happy to stand and trade in the second round as Shadrina was cautious enough, remaining patient, looking for a chance to score.

Both boxers enjoyed some eye-catching success in an entertaining round, and Harrington looked like she was enjoying it as the round progressed, taking time to offer a wry smile to her opponent at the bell.

A telling one as it turned out, as Harrington enjoyed a clean sweep across the board to take in 5:0.

Harrington continued with her attacking style in the third, while maintaining an element of caution, waiting for the inevitable attack from the Serb, who knew she had to win the final round to have a chance of taking the contest.

But it was the best of the Tokyo champion who coasted through the round to score another 5:0 and claim the gold medal on a unanimous decision.

Afterwards Harrington said her victory was akin to a "chess match".

She told reporters: "In the first round, I wouldn't say I was asleep but I was in sparring mode, sussing it out and seeing what she was going to bring. I sussed it out that she was jumping in with her shots.

"I came back out when it was 3-2 and I knew I had to put a bit of a push on - but not pushing on silly and getting caught. That's what I did in the