#WrestleAlmaty

Bolat Turlykhanov Cup: Yildirim, Kamal star for Turkey on day one

Thursday, June 2, 2022 - 18:05 By Vinay Siwach

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ALMATY, Kazakhstan (June 2) -- Amin MIRZAZADEH (IRI) thought he passed his toughest test in Almaty as he defeated arch-rival and world champion Aliakbar YOUSOFI (IRI) in a 2-2 comeback. But little did he expect that Osman YILDIRIM (TUR) will hand him a shock defeat in the final at 130kg.

The U23 world champion was the favorite to win the gold at the Bolat Turlykhanov Cup, the second Ranking Series event of the year, but Yildrim scored from par terre while Mirzazadeh failed to do the same. That proved to be the difference as the Turkey youngster won his second straight Ranking Series gold. His first was at home in Istanbul where he won gold over Beka KANDELAKI (AZE).

Yildirim scored wins over Anton SAVENKO (KAZ), 5-0, Sulkhan BUIDZE (GEO), 3-0 and Asian champion Alimkhan SYZDYKOV (KAZ) 3-1 to reach the final.

"I saw that my opponent in the final would be the Iranian wrestler," Yildirim said. "I concentrated a lot to prepare well. I know that the wrestlers from Iran and Georgia are very strong. The match was really tough. I was preparing and glad that it paid off."

Mirzazadeh began the day on a strong note with a 9-0 win over SATISH (IND) before advancing to the semifinal against Yousofi, who defeated Olympic silver Iakobi KAJAIA (GEO) 8-0 in the quarterfinal.

Apart from exchanging the passivity points, Mirzazadeh and Yousofi had one stepout each in the semifinal but Mirzazadeh scored the latest point to claim the win.

Osman YILDIRIM (TUR)Osman YILDIRIM (TUR) scored two points from par terre to win against Amin MIRZAZADEH (IRI). (Photo: UWW / Bayrem Ben Mrad)

In the gold-medal bout, Mirzazadeh got the first point for Yildirim's inactivity and led 1-0. But the Iran Olympian gave up a point in the second period and Yildirim got the gut from par terre to lead 3-1 even as a surprised Mirzazadeh tried hard to score. He managed to push Yildirim after the gut wrench but could not score two more points which would have helped him win.

"It was very bad. I can't explain what happened there but I hope that I will be better at the World Championships," Mirzazadeh said.

The Bolat Turlykhanov Cup in Almaty was the first step towards selecting the team for World Championships for Iran but now it may need to find another path.

Although Mirzazadeh defeated Yousofi, missing the gold medal proves that he has the chinks in the armor which may push Iran coaches to rethink their selection.

For Yildirim, it will be a tough road to Belgrade as well as he has to go through four-time world champion Riza KAYAALP (TUR) to earn the spot on the team.

"I am ready to work hard to get the 130kg spot in the national team and I believe I will get it," he said. "We are glad that we have such an amazing wrestler as Kayaalp on our national team. The younger generation can take him as an example."

Kerem KAMAL (TUR)Kerem KAMAL (TUR) won the 63kg gold medal in Almaty. (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

Another Turkey star who claimed the gold medal in Almaty was European champion Kerem KAMAL (TUR).

The three-time U20 world champ moved up a weight class to 63kg after winning the European Championships and came home with the second gold in two months as he won the 63kg weight class in dominating fashion.

He was drawn on the same side of the bracket as world silver medalist Zholaman SHARSHENBEKOV (KGZ) and the two clashed in the quarterfinals. Sharshenbekov began on strong and got the first points with a takedown. But Kamal that behind and scored a four-pointer from par terre to lead 5-2 at the break.

Kamal scored four points in the second period to Sharshenbekov's one to claim a 9-3 win his first Ranking Series gold medal this year.

"The Asian wrestlers are the strongest opponents for me and Zholaman [Sharshenbekov] is a very tough opponent as well," Kamal said. "It was a great experience for me to wrestle him at 63kg here."

The two had earlier met five years ago in the U20 World Championships final in Tampere which Kamal won 12-3.

"It was an amazing match against Zholaman," he said. "Five years ago, back in 2017, we wrestled in the U20 World final. I am so happy I won today. With the help of God, I will achieve good results."

In the final, he hammered Bagylan ZHAKANSHA (KAZ) 11-0 after two big throws for four points each from par terre.

With a great start to the year, Kamal now wants to win his first senior world medal and is focused on achieving that result in Belgrade, exactly 100 days from Thursday.

"Today [Thursday] I found out that there are 100 days left for the World Championships, that's why it's important to stay in a good shape, continue the training, and get ready for the World Championships."

Turkey collected its third gold medal through two-time world champion Metehan BASAR (TUR) as he defeated Mahdi FALLAH (IRI) with a first-period fall.

Basar, with the retirement of Cenk ILDIM (TUR), moved up to the 97kg weight class after a decade at 87kg and has begun well with gold at the Ranking Series event.

Abror ATABAEV (UZB)The match winning move from Abror ATABAEV (UZB) against world champion Meysam DALKHANI (IRI) in the 67kg semifinal. (Photo: UWW / Bayrem Ben Mrad)

New star

On a giant-killing spree in Almaty, Abror ATABAEV (UZB) first spoiled the return of Meysam DALKHANI (IRI) and later pinned Joni KHETSURIANI (GEO) with ease to win the 67kg gold medal.

The 19-year-old left the arena with a number of new fans as they requested Atabaev for photos after he won his first senior-level gold medal.

In the semifinal against Dalkhani, Atabev was trailing 3-1 with five seconds left when he locked the world champion and pulled off a throw to get two points and win 3-3. Dalkhani had his arms locked in an uncomfortable position and landed on his left arm which got injured during the move.

"I am still at the U20 level so this is completely different," Atabaev said. "The wrestling style of the opponents, their technique and strength are completely different. But I could win today."

The 2018 U17 world champion, who was introduced to wrestling by his father when he was four years old, said that he had prepared well for the bout against Dalkhani and remembered to wrestle until the end.

"He is a World champion and is very strong," he said. "I was getting ready for the match as the one who wasn't expected to win. But I proved to everyone that I deserve it. My coaches helped me to understand his wrestling, so I could win at the last second because I always wrestle till the very end."

Poya DAD MARZ (IRI)Poya DAD MARZ (IRI) won the 55kg gold medal in Almaty. (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

Iran did collect three gold medals out of the seven that were on offer on day one of the competition.

Another junior world champion from 2017 Poya DAD MARZ (IRI) secured the first gold of the night as he defeated Marlan MUKASHEV (KAZ) 4-2 in a tense final at 55kg. The U23 World silver medalist got the first point for Mukashev's passivity and then got a gut wrench from par terre.

However, when he was trying a second gut wrench, Dad Marz got stuck midway through the roll and Mukashev tried securing a fall via headlock. But Dad Marz quickly got to safety. In the second period, Mukashev was again called passive but instead of asking for a par terre, Dad Marz was happy to resume the bout from standing. He defended his 4-2 lead till the clock expired.

Ali Reza NEJATI (IRI)Ali Reza NEJATI (IRI) outscored his opponents 27-0 to win the gold. (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

The second gold was secured by Ali Reza NEJATI who won the 60kg weight class.

In an all-Iran final, Nejati dominated compatriot Pouya NASERPOUR (IRI) to win the gold medal. He pulled off a four-point throw from par terre after getting a point for Naserpour's passivity. He later scored a stepout to lead 6-0 at the break.

In the second period, he was awarded another point for inactivity and finished the bout with an exposure throw for two points. The Tokyo Olympian competed for the first time since finishing with a bronze medal at the U23 World Championships in November last year.

Overall, he outscored his opponents 27-0 in the three bouts he wrestled to win the gold.

Ramin TAHERISARTANG (IRI)Ramin TAHERISARTANG (IRI) won the 87kg gold in Almaty. (Photo: UWW / Bayrem Ben Mrad)

The final gold for Iran was won by Ramin TAHERISARTANG (IRI) as he defeated Aivengo RIKADZE (GEO) 2-1 in the 87kg final.

The bout began with some aggressive wrestling by the two but the Iranian was called passive and as Rikadze tried to get a roll going, he got caught on his back which gave Taherisartang the two points. The second period saw a lot of action but no scoring move as Rikadze suffered a close loss.

Results

55kg
GOLD: Poya DAD MARZ (IRI) df. Marlan MUKASHEV (KAZ), 4-3

BRONZE: Aslamdzhon AZIZOV (TJK) df. Arjun HALAKURKI (IND), 13-4
BRONZE: Jasurbek ORTIKBOEV (UZB) df. Giorgi TOKHADZE (GEO), 14-5

60kg 
GOLD: Ali Reza NEJATI (IRI) df. Pouya NASERPOUR (IRI), 9-0

BRONZE: Yernur FIDAKHMETOV (KAZ) df. Firuz MIRZORADZHABOV (TJK), 4-2
BRONZE: Mukhammadkodir YUSUPOV (UZB) df. Ilkhom BAKHROMOV (UZB), via fall

63kg
GOLD: Kerem KAMAL (TUR) df Bagylan ZHAKANSHA (KAZ), 11-0

BRONZE: Zholaman SHARSHENBEKOV (KGZ) df. Mirambek AINAGULOV (KAZ), via inj. def.
BRONZE: NEERAJ (IND) df. Ahmet UYAR (TUR), via fall

67kg
GOLD: Abror ATABAEV (UZB) df. Joni KHETSURIANI (GEO), via fall

BRONZE: Madiyar MALTEKBAYEV (KAZ) df. Amantur ISMAILOV (KGZ), 9-6
BRONZE: Sultan ASSETULY (KAZ) df. Meysam DALKHANI (IRI), via inj. def.

87kg
GOLD: Ramin TAHERISARTANG (IRI) df. Aivengo RIKADZE (GEO), 2-1

BRONZE: A. AZISBEKOV (KGZ) df. Azamat KUSTUBAYEV (KAZ), 6-5
BRONZE: Jalgasbay BERDIMURATOV (UZB) df. Nursultan TURSYNOV (KAZ), 3-1

97kg 
GOLD: Metehan BASAR (TUR) df. Mahdi FALLAH (IRI), via fall

BRONZE: Rustam ASSAKALOV (UZB) df. Umalt DAUDOV (KAZ), 10-2
BRONZE: Olzhas SYRLYBAY (KAZ) df. Beksultan MAKHMUDOV (KGZ), 7-4

130kg
GOLD: Osman YILDIRIM (TUR) df. Amin MIRZAZADEH (IRI), 3-2
 
BRONZE: Aliakbar YOUSOFI (IRI) df. SATISH (IND), 9-0
BRONZE: Anton SAVENKO (KAZ) df. Alimkhan SYZDYKOV (KAZ), 6-1

#WrestleTirana

Muhamet Malo 2025 Ranking Series Day 3 Finals Set

Friday, February 28, 2025 - 10:08 By Vinay Siwach

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TIRANA, Albania (February 28) -- Muhamet Malo Ranking Series enters day three with four Women's Wrestling and two Greco-Roman weight classes. Olympic champion Semen NOVIKOV (BUL) will be in action at GR 87kg alongwith silver medalist Alireza MOHAMADIPIANI (IRI) and both are on collision course as well. Other Paris Olympic medalist in action are Grace BULLEN (NOR) at WW 62kg and Iryna KOLIADENKO (UKR) at WW 65kg.

WATCH LIVE | LIVE MATCH ORDER | DAY 2 RESULTS

16:45: Miwa MORIKAWA (JPN) will look to avenge her round-robin loss to Irina RINGACI (MDA) as she wins her semifinal against Iryna KOLIADENKO (UKR) to enter the gold medal bout. Koliadenko, a Paris silver medalist at 62kg, was 1-0 at the break after Morikawa's inactivity. But Morikawa launched a huge but sloppy double-leg to score four points at the start of the second period to lead 4-1. Koliadenko was put on activity clock but did not score which gave a point to Morikawa. Koliadenko then scored a takedown with a minute left to cut the lead to 5-3. Morikawa answered with another stepout and led 6-3, the winning score.

Irina RINGACI (MDA) won 10-0 over Aleah NICKEL (CAN). She finished the bout with an ankle pick for four. Ringaci won the round-robin bout against Morikawa 6-5. They both go against each other in about three hours time.

16:30: Sakura ONISHI (JPN) sees off Solomiia VYNNYK (UKR) in the 59kg semifinal. She scored a takedown, stepout before Vynnyk was docked for cautioned for locking Onishi's neck. From forced par terre, Onishi used the head between legs to roll Vynnyk twice and make it 8-0. Vynnyk scored exposure using chestwrap but it was scored two for Onishi as she never got turned. Ukraine challenged the decision and won which made it 8-2 at the break. Vynnyk was docked a caution for blocking Onishi who finished the match with an ankle pick four-pointer on the edge. She won 13-2.

Anastasiia SIDELNIKOVA (UWW) survived an onslaught from Bediha GUN (TUR) in the final 30 seconds to win 4-4 in the other semifinal. Down 4-0, Gun scored a takedown and was awarded a caution point. Another takeodwn made it 4-4 but she could not get another point as Sidelnikova won 4-4 through points via bigger technique (2+2).

16:20: Idris IBAEV (GER) enters the 77kg final after beating Kodai SAKURABA (JPN) in an action-filled match. He got the par terre in first period and turned Sakuraba who also committed a foul. A stepout was awarded to Ibaev on review which made his lead 6-0. Sakuraba wasn't focused as he walked out of the zone thinking he has scored a stepout but Ibaev got the points. He then tried a headlock which Ibaev defended and scored four points. Japan challenged the call and won as it was a risk by Sakaruba who managed to get on board with a pushout. Ibaev challenged and got the pushout point as Sakuraba's hand was out before him.

Yryskeldi MAKSATBEK UULU (KGZ) will face Ibaev in the final after he defeated Per Albin OLOFSSON (SWE) 6-1. Maksatbek Uulu blocked Olofsson from par terre and led 2-1 at the break. In the second period, Olofsson was about to take Maksatbek Uulu but lost his balance and the Kyrgyz scored a takedown which Olofsson challenged and lost. With a 5-1 lead, Maksatbek Uulu got a passivity call to make it 6-1 and won.

16:00: We have the 87kg finalists in Greco-Roman! Paris silver medalist Alireza MOHAMMADIPIANI (IRI) and David LOSONCZI (HUN) will wrestle for gold. Mohammadipiani with an impressive win -- 6-1 over Aleksandr KOMAROV (SRB). He got the par terre advantage and turned Komarov twice to lead 5-0 at break. Komarov got his par terre chance in the second period but failed to score from the position and Mohammadipiani defended for the rest of the match to win and enter the final.

Losonczi brought his motor to the semifinal against Marcel STERKENBURG (NED) and led 2-1 at the break with two stepouts. Sterkenburg was cautioned for a move against bone joints and docked two points. He challenged and lost another as Losonczi led 5-1. Sterkenburg was called passive which added another point to Losonczi's score before a stepout added another for a 7-1 win for Losonczi and a place in the final. 

15:50: World champion Ami ISHII (JPN) marches on to the 68kg final. Kateryna ZELENYKH (ROU) scored the first takedown but Ishii with a reversal and then two turns to make it 5-2. Ishii counters an attempt to make it 7-2 at the break. Ishii continues attacking the legs of Zelenykh and finally gets a takedown with traparm and rolls Zelenykh twice to win 13-2.

Zelu LI (CHN) will be her opponent in the final after the Chinese laced her way to a 10-0 win over Noémi SZABADOS (HUN).

15:40: First semifinals of the day! Women's Wrestling 62kg has three Paris Olympians out of the four semifinalists. The only one not from Paris, LILI (CHN), takes out bronze medalist Grace BULLEN (NOR) and books her spot in the final. Bullen got a takedown and turn before Lili scored reversal and lace. Bullen led 4-3 and Lili scored another takedown and turn to make 7-4. Bullen get the gap to 7-5 with a stepout but Bullen couldn't break the defense and lost 8-3. Lili will face Bilyana DUDOVA (BUL) for the gold medal who defeated  Anne NUERNBERGER (GER) in the other semifinal. Dudova led 3-0 at the break and then scored a takedown and gut wrench to make it 7-0. Solid snapdowns in the match from Dudova as she added another takedown before countering an attack to win 11-0.

15:25: Sakura ONISHI (JPN) with a different approach in the match against Abigail NETTE (USA). With a more cautious approach, Onishi was shut down by Nette who led 1-0 at the break for Onishi's passivity. But Onishi comes out blazing in the second and score 10 straight points using head in the middle. A takedown makes it 12-1 as Onishi advances at 59kg.

15:20: Miwa MORIKAWA (JPN) books herself a semifinal with Iryna KOLIADENKO (UKR) at 65kg. Morikawa with a 3-0 win over Yuqi RAO (CHN).

15:05: Back to Women's Wrestling, and Iryna KOLIADENKO (UKR) with a 34 second technical superiority win over Aleah NICKEL (CAN) at 65kg. She top her group with that win and enters the semifinal in which she likely to face Miwa MORIKAWAN (JPN).

14:55: Paris Olympic final rematch at Greco-Roman 87kg between Semen NOVIKOV (BUL) and Alireza MOHMADIPIANI (IRI). Novikov had blanked Mohamadipiani 7-0 in the final in Paris. An aggressive start from Mohammadi and he gets a par terre but no score. He leads 1-0 at the break. A stepout and takedown to make it 4-0 in the second period. He is awarded the par terre for his active wrestling to lead 5-0 but he can't score from there. Mohammadi shuts Novikov down completely and wins 5-0. He celebrates with an acknowledgement from the coach.

14:42: Aleksandr KOMAROV (SRB) scored a takedown and three turns after Muhutdin SARICICEK (TUR) got the par terre and he wins 9-2 at 87kg. A machine from par terre.

14:40: World champion at 72kg Ami ISHII (JPN) is back at 68kg for the Ranking Series. She begins her campaign with a 10-0 technical superiority win over Greda BARTH (GER).

14:30: Bilyana DUDOVA (BUL) isn't giving Adaugo NWACHUKWU (USA) any last-second points this time as in Zagreb. Down 4-2, Dudova scores a takedown and then an exposure when Nwachukwu tries to hold on to her 4-4 criteria lead in last 10 seconds to win 6-4. Nwachukwu scored a takedown in the final five seconds in Zagreb to beat Dudova.

14:15: Irina RINGACI (MDA) with a 10-0 technical superiority and Grace BULLEN (NOR) with a fall in their respective bouts at 65kg and 62kg.

14:10: U20 world champion Sakura ONISHI (JPN) with a 10-0 technical superiority win over Bediha GUN (TUR) in Round 2 of 59kg. She is the favorite to win the gold medal

13:35: Alireza MOHAMADIPIANI (IRI), who lost to Novikov in the Paris final, begins with a solid 8-0 win over Tamas LEVAI (HUN) at 87kg. Mohamadipiani got the part terre and turned Levai, who locked Mohamadipiani's neck which is a foul. Hungary challenged the call but lost. With a 6-0 lead, Mohamadipiani turned Levai once to win 8-0

13:30: Olympic champion Semen NOVIKOV (BUL) is into the quarterfinal at 87kg after beating Istvan TAKACS (HUN). He got a turn from par terre to lead 3-0 at the break. Novikov keeps the pressure in the second period and scores a stepout before getting the second par terre as well. No points but enough for Novikov to win 5-0.

13:20: Aleksandr KOMAROV (SRB) with another 8-0 technical superiority. A stepout, first par terre and four turns to beat Artur OVSEPYAN (UKR) and advance to the 87kg quarterifinals.

13:15: Marcel STERKENBURG (NED) up against Achiko BOLKVADZE (GEO) at 87kg 1/8 final. He scores the opening takedown to be 2-0 up. Georgia challenge but lose. Sterkenburg gets par terre advantage to make it 4-0 but no turn from par terre. Sterkenburg with a strong start in the second and scores a stepout. Bolkvadze tries a headlock but falls on his back and Sterkenburg gets the fall.

13:10: Iryna KOLIADENKO (UKR) was woken up by Albina DRAZHI (ALB) with the first takedown of their 65kg bout but Koliadenko works her way back and scores 12-2 technical superiority win in Round 1 at 65kg. 

13:00: Irina RINGACI (MDA) and Miwa MORIKAWA (JPN) faced off in the 2021 World Championships final which Ringaci won. Four years later, they meet in Round 1 of 65kg in Tirana. Ringaci on the holds straightaway and she scores a takedown and a turn to lead 4-0. Morikawa is more active in the second period but a scramble results in Ringaci landing on top to take the lead 6-0. Morikawa keeps going but Ringaci split defense keeps her at bay before Morikawa scores exposure for two. Another leg elevation from Morikawa for a takedown to make it 6-4 with 17 seconds left. A double leg from Morikawa but Ringaci decides to run out of bounds than give a losing takedown. 6-5 with 6 seconds remaining. Japan challenge the call. Morikawa has no control over Ringaci during stepout. It's only one point and Japan lose the challenge, giving Ringaci a 7-5 lead. She defends the lead for the six seconds to win 7-5. They both can still meet in the final as 65kg is in Nelson system.

12:40: World champion at 59kg in 2023, Qi ZHANG (CHN) was down 8-0 against Amina TANDELOVA (UWW) but mounts a comeback. Zhang with a stepout, a takedown and exposure to make it 8-5 at the break. A caution against Tandelova made it 8-6. A takedown for Zhang but a double leg takedown from Tandelova to make it 10-8. As Zhang tries another attack, Tandelova counters for another two points. She wins 12-8 at 62kg.

12:30: That was quick from Grace BULLEN (NOR). The Paris bronze medalist beats Sara LINDBORG (SWE) 10-0 inside two minutes at 62kg.  

12:25: Bilyana DUDOVA (BUL) with all those counter attacks to beat Nikolett SZABO (HUN) 9-0 at 62kg. Dudova led only 1-0 at the break but as Szabo tried to score in the second, Dudova continued to counter those attacks.

12:00: Olympic champion Semen NOVIKOV (BUL) gets former U23 world champion Exauce MUKUBU (NOR) in the first round. Novikoc with a stepout to open the scoring. He turns Mukubu from par terre to lead 4-0. Excellent defense from Mukubu after the first turn. Mukubu begins the second period with a takedown. Novikov was pushing Mukubu towards the zone but Mukubu sneaked and scored a go-behind takedown. Then gets the par terre to make the score 4-3. Novikov blocks the turn attempt and score a gut-wrench to lead 8-3. Novikov wins 8-3.

11:52: Aleksandr KOMAROV (SRB) with a quick 8-0 technical superiority win over Jiaxin HUANG (CHN). A takedown and gut wrench for Komarov.

11:50: U20 world champion Asan ZHANYSHOV (KGZ) gets a taste of senior level competition as Muhutdin SARICICEK (TUR) beats him 6-2 in the opening round at 87kg. Zhanyshov gets thrown for four from bodylock and is down 5-0. Both wrestlers exchange stepouts and Saricicek leads 6-1 at the break. A stepout from Zhanyshov in the second period is all he got as Saricicek wins 6-2.

11:45: Achiko BOLKVADZE (GEO), one of the three Georgian wrestlers at 87kg, runs into Soh SAKABE (JPN) in the opening round. Sakabe gets the first par terre advantage but Bolkvadze blocks the turn and leads 2-1 at the break. Bolkvadze manages a throw from par terre in the second period to lead 7-1. Sakabe with a headlock throw and is awarded two and one point for reversal for Bolkvadze. Japan challenge for four. But on review, all the points are removed as no one landed in danger. A 7-1 win for Bolkvadze.

11:30: Another rainy day here in Tirana. But wrestlers are ready for day three of the Muhamet Malo Ranking Series with 59kg, 62kg, 65kg and 68kg in Women's Wrestling and 77kg and 87kg in Greco-Roman.