LIN YU-TING’S defeated opponent made two X symbols with her fingers after losing to the gender-row boxer.
Esra Yildiz Kahraman, 27, lost a unanimous points decision bout in the semi-final of the women’s 57kg featherweight division.
Taiwan’s Lin dominated the fight without dropping a single point.
She spoke to the Turkish fighter after the 57kg featherweight result was revealed in the ring.
However, as Kahraman then took to the centre, she made the ‘double X’ gesture by crossing her fingers to the crowd and cameras.
The symbol first appeared when Svetlina Staneva was beaten by Lin on Sunday.
And after defeat saw her miss out on a podium finish, a frustrated Staneva avoided eye contact with Lin before pointing to herself and using her index fingers to make the double cross symbol while shouting: “No, no.”
It is believed to be a reference to the ongoing gender row, in which Lin is accused of having the XY chromosome, usually a male, rather than the general female XX code.
It comes as a protest against Lin and Algerian boxer Imane Khelif’s eligibility at the Olympics.
Both women are competing at the Games 18 months after allegedly failing gender eligibility tests.
Tests conducted by the Russian-backed IBA are said to have determined the pair tested positive for male XY chromosomes.
The duo were disqualified from the Women’s World Championships.
However, the IOC does not currently insist on this ruling despite Sebastian Coe suggesting that he would bring it back.
Kahraman has not left the Paris Olympics empty-handed, having won the bronze medal despite her defeat to Lin.
However, she remained tight-lipped about her use of the ‘double X’ symbol.
In the mixed zone after the fight, she was asked about the moment, but she said: “No comment” in English.
Lin will now contest for the gold medal on Saturday and will face off against Polish fighter Julia Szeremeta.
The 20-year-old reached the final after beating Philippines fighter Nesthy Petecio.
Speaking after her latest victory, Lin said: “I am one fight closer to my goal of the gold medal. I really enjoyed that fight.
“Every athlete here is among the best in the world, so I will have to do my best to prepare for the final.
“The feeling of entering the gold-medal match is one of gratitude to myself for making it this far. After going out in the first round of the Tokyo Olympics, it’s been a tough journey to reach the finals.
“I will use everything I’ve learned in my life to do my best in the next match.”
Szeremeta on the other hand has insisted that she is “confident” of beating Lin and winning gold herself.
She said: “I wasn’t nervous at all out there in the ring.
“I loved the atmosphere. There was no stress. I was just chilled out there and was very confident I could win.
“I was confident. I think I am the best fighter here and I’m confident for the final.
“I am sure that I will be the gold medallist.”
Khelif, meanwhile, will also be competing for gold and will fight China’s Yang Liu on Friday.
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Source: New York Post