Granma y Cerro Pelado

Akgul Flawless In Granma y Cerro Pelado Freestyle Finals

Thursday, February 22, 2018 - 23:13 By Richard Immel

Share this article

HAVANA, Cuba – Rio Olympic champion Taha AKGUL (TUR) accented a flawless Granma y Cerro Pelado tournament with a workmanlike 11-0 victory over United States foe Ben DURBIN (USA) to claim 125 KG gold.

Akgul, a two-time champion at the World Championships, scored three takedowns and two turns for the decisive win in the final freestyle match contested  in Cuba. He finished with three wins over the two-day competition, outscoring his opponents by a combined 32-0 tally.

Turkey earned a second gold medal from Husseyin GUNDUZ (TUR) at 92 KG. Gunduz ousted 2017 Ion Corneau champion Gabriel STARK (GER) in a dramatic final, 2-1.

Host-nation Cuba accumulated four champions on Thursday, led by technical fall wins in the finals from returning world bronze medalists Yowlys BONNE RODRIGUEZ (CUB) at 61 KG and Alejandro VALDES TOBIER (CUB) at 65 KG.

Bonne Rodriguez trailed high-paced American Cody BREWER (USA) 6-0 early in the first period after giving up two initial takedowns, one feet-to-back. The Cuban star methodically went to work for 16-staight points and the gold medal.

It was a quick heat for Valdes Tobier, who synched up multiple inside trips in the early going against Robbie MATHERS (USA). After the initial flurry of action, Valdes Tobier was declared the winner, 10-0.

Other champions for Cuba were past Pan American champion Franklin MAREN (CUB) and Yurieski TORREBLANCA (CUB). Both men won tight finals contests, Maren a 1-1, criteria win over 2015 Pan American champion Jason CHAMBERLAIN (USA) and Torreblanca a 6-2 decision on 2012 junior world champion Achmed DUDAROV (GER).

A last-second challenge overturning a call on the edge of the mat gave Kubilay CAKICI (GER) a superb win over London Olympic bronze medalist Livan LOPEZ AZCUY (CUB) for the 74 KG gold. Lopez Azcuy appeared to have the match won, but a last-ditch effort saw Cakici capitalize on a takedown with under five seconds remaining.

The United States secured gold medals from Zach SANDERS (USA) at 57 KG and Hayden ZILLMER (USA) at 97 KG. Sanders turned a 1-0 second-period deficit into a 6-1 victory over Alexei ALVARES (CUB) courtesy of persistent offense. Zillmer notched a low-level takedown and two leg laces to seal the gold, 6-0, over fellow American Ty WALZ (USA).

Complete results and archived matches from the 2018 Granma y Cerro Pelado tournament can be found at unitedworldwrestling.org.

RESULTS: http://uww.io/4gTea

57 KG

Gold –  Zach SANDERS (USA)

Silver – Alexei ALVARES (CUB)

Bronze – Aso PALANI (CAN)

Bronze – Pedro MEJIAS (VEN)

61 KG

Gold – Yowlys BONNE RODRIGUEZ (CUB)

Silver – Cody BREWER (USA)

Bronze – Dabian QUINTANA (CUB)

Bronze – Johnni DIJULIUS (USA)  

65 KG

Gold – Alejandro VALDES TOBIER (CUB)  

Silver – Robbie MATHERS (USA)

Bronze – Brandon DIAZ (MEX)

Bronze – Anthony ABIDIN (USA)

70 KG

Gold – Franklin MAREN (CUB)

Silver – Jason CHAMBERLAIN (USA)

Bronze – Hunter STIEBER (USA)

Bronze – Kevin HENKEL (GER)

74 KG

Gold – Kubilay CAKICI (GER)

Silver – Livan LOPEZ AZCUY (CUB)

Bronze – Jean PERALTA (CHI)

Bronze – Nestor TAFUR (COL)

86 KG

Gold – Yurieski TORREBLANCA (CUB)

Silver – Achmed DUDAROV (GER)

Bronze – Martin OBST (GER)

92 KG

Gold – Husseyin GUNDUZ (TUR)

Silver – Gabriel STARK (GER)

Bronze – Don MCNEIL (USA)

97 KG

Gold – Hayden ZILLMER (USA)

Silver – Ty WALZ (USA)

Bronze – Nathan BURAK (USA)

125 KG

Gold – Taha AKGUL (TUR)

Silver – Ben DURBIN (USA)

Bronze – Yudenny ALPAJON (CUB)

Bronze – Sean MOLLE (CAN)

Development

South-East Asia & Oceania Education Week: A Vital Step in Wrestling Development

Monday, October 14, 2024 - 12:21 By United World Wrestling Press

Share this article

PERTH, Australia (October 14, 2024) – The South-East Asia & Oceania Education Week, held in Perth from September 30 to October 4, marked a significant milestone in the growth and development of wrestling across the region. Representatives from seven Oceania nations—Australia, New Zealand, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Nauru, Tahiti, and the Marshall Islands—and a participant from Singapore gathered to foster collaboration and enhance wrestling expertise. For many, it was their first UWW certification in years, adding even more impact to the event.

The week was packed with essential courses focused on both technical and administrative skill development. The Level 3 Coaching Course, led by UWW Educator and USA Wrestling Gold Level Coach Marty Huack, provided advanced coaching strategies, emphasizing elite training methodologies and periodization. Participants gained valuable insights to elevate their coaching approaches and optimize athlete performance at the highest levels of competition.

The Level 2 Referee Course, delivered by UWW 1S Referee and local expert Stefan Rudevics, focused on refining officiating skills. Attendees deepened their understanding of rules, decision-making processes, and match management, significantly enhancing their capabilities for future tournaments. Additionally, Youssef Bouaziz, a UWW IT Specialist, led an IT Course that equipped participants with the digital tools essential for modern sports administration, including proficiency in the Arena platform for managing both national and international events.

AUSParticipants pose for a photo after the conclusion of The South-East Asia & Oceania Education Week. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

One of the week's standout moments was the opportunity for referees and IT participants to apply their newly acquired skills at the Australian Youth National Championships, which ran concurrently with Education Week. This live event setting allowed participants to gain hands-on experience, reinforcing their training and building confidence in real-time scenarios.

Feedback from the attending nations emphasized the significant professional growth experienced by participants, who valued the interactive, hands-on format of both the coaching and refereeing courses. The IT course, which focused on leveraging the Arena platform, was also highly praised for its practical application. During a feedback forum at the event's conclusion, participants expressed strong enthusiasm for future educational opportunities, reflecting their dedication to ongoing development.

Beyond technical training, Education Week fostered a deeper sense of unity and collaboration within South-East Asia and Oceania wrestling communities. By bringing together representatives from across the region, the event strengthened relationships and reinforced a collective ambition to raise wrestling standards. This spirit of cooperation enhanced individual skills while laying the groundwork for future growth and partnerships.

The success of South-East Asia & Oceania Education Week underscores the importance of regional collaboration in advancing wrestling development. We look forward to welcoming even more participants in future editions as we continue to elevate the sport across South-East Asia and Oceania.