#kaspeuro2018

Chamizo Stops Tenth Russian From Making #KaspEuro2018 Semifinals

By Eric Olanowski

KASPIISK, Russia (May 5) – Frank CHAMIZO (ITA) stopped Russia from putting their tenth straight wrestler into the 2018 European semifinals by sticking Khetig TSABOLOV (RUS). 

The Italian showed why he is the best defensive wrestler on the planet during his second round bout against the Russian 2017 world runner-up. 

Chamizo, who is a two-time European champion was leading 3-0 before using Tsabolov’s high crotch to throw him to his back, ultimately picking up the fall. 

Chamizo, the 2017 world champion at 70kg will wrestle reigning 74kg European champion, Soner DEMIRTAS (TUR) tonight at 5:15 PM (local time) for a spot in the 2018 European finals. 

SEMIFINAL MATCH-UPS
61kg
Semifinals - Gadzhimurad RASHIDOV (RUS) vs. Recep TOPAL (TUR)
Semifinals - Mirjalal HASAN ZADA (AZE) vs. Beka LOMTADZE (GEO)

74kg 
Semifinals - Frank CHAMIZO MARQUEZ (ITA) vs.  Soner DEMIRTAS (TUR) 
Semifinals - Zelimkhan KHADJIEV (FRA) vs. Andrei KARPACH (BLR)

86kg 
Semifinals - Fatih ERDIN (TUR) vs. Artur NAIFONOV (RUS) 
Semifinals - Aleksandr GOSTIYEV (AZE) vs. Sandro AMINASHVILI (GEO)

92kg 
Semifinals - Irakli MTSITURI (GEO) vs. Abdulrashid SADULAEV (RUS) 
Semifinals - Sharif SHARIFOV (AZE) vs. Serdar BOKE (TUR)

125kg 
Semifinals - Taha AKGUL (TUR) vs. Muradin KUSHKHOV (RUS) 
Semifinals - Robert BARAN (POL) vs. Geno PETRIASHVILI (GEO)

#BeachWrestling

Sakurai swaps mat for sand, wins Beach Wrestling gold

By Vinay Siwach

TOKYO (May 13) -- Paris Olympic champion Tsugumi SAKURAI (JPN) made a return to competition for the first time since August last year. However, it was not on the mat.

Sakurai, who won gold medal at 57kg in Paris, returned to compete in beach wrestling. She wrestled at the Japan Beach Wrestling National Team Qualifying Tournament held in Tachikawa, Tokyo on Sunday and won gold at 60kg

"It may sound strange for me to say it, but I felt that I was suited to it," Sakurai was quoted by Japan Olympic Committee.

Sakurai, who is not entered for the June 19-22 Meiji Cup, Japan's qualifying tournament for the World Championships in September, is now qualified to compete for Japan in Beach Wrestling this year.

"Since I am qualified for the international tournament, I will try to participate," she said. "I want to be number one. I'll practice on the sandy beaches of Kochi [Prefecture]."

The three-time world champion, however, did not rule out the possibility of returning to the mat soon.

"I am still practicing on the mat and when I feel like I am ready, I will be back on the mat," she said.