#WrestleBelgrade

Live Blog: World Championships, Day 7

By Ken Marantz & Vinay Siwach

BELGRADE, Serbia (September 16) -- The World Championships enter day seven with three freestyle weight classes. Defending world champions in all three weights are wrestling in Belgrade. Thomas GILLMAN (USA) at 57kg, Kyle DAKE (USA) at 74kg and Kamran GHASEMPOUR (IRI) at 97kg are in action.

WATCH LIVE | MATCH ORDER

The semifinals are set

57kg
Thomas GILMAN (USA) vs. Wanhao ZOU (CHN)
Stevan MICIC (SRB) vs. Zelimkhan ABAKAROV (ALB)

74kg
Frank CHAMIZO (ITA) vs. Tajmuraz SALKAZANOV (SVK)
Kyle DAKE (USA) vs. Yones EMAMI (IRI)

92kg
Kamran GHASEMPOUR (IRI) vs. Miriani MAISURADZE (GEO)
Jden COX (USA) vs. Osman NURMAGOMEDOV (AZE)

14:09: Tajmuraz SALKAZANOV (SVK) goes ahead with a stepout in the second period, then clinches the win with a takedown at the edge to beat Soner DEMIRTAS (TUR) 4-1 to advance to the 74kg semifinals.

14:05: Younes EMAMI (IRI) begins with a spin for four over Turan BAYRAMOV (AZE). He moves to defensive mode but Bayramov pulls off an arm spin but only for two. He challenges but lost challenge. Bayramov with two more but he trails 5-4. Emami with a stepout and a late takedown for an 8-4.

14:05: Frank CHAMIZO (ITA), chasing his third world and first since 2017, cuts it close once again but he's into the 74kg semifinals with a 6-3 win over Hetik CABOLOV (SRB). Cabolov ties up the legs to score a takedown to go up 3-1 a minute into the second period, but Chamizo reverses for a point. Back on their feet, Chamizo spins behind to take the lead 4-3 with :50 left. Cabolov has a chance to win it when he gets in on a single and lifts the leg in the air, but Chamizo not only defends, he gets a 2-point exposure.

13:57: How about that from Kyle DAKE (USA)! A huge body lock and he throws Sagar JAGLAN (IND) for a huge five. He gets the fall and a place in the 74kg semifinals.

13:53: He had to wrestle the full six minutes but Kamran GHASEMPOUR (IRI) never looked in trouble. He confirms his place in the 92kg semifinals with a 7-2 win over Ahmed BATAEV (BUL).

13:52: The two bronze medalists at 92kg a year ago in Oslo will square off later tonight for a place in the final after both Osman NURMAGOMEDOV (AZE) and J'den COX (USA) won their quarterfinals by 11-0 technical fall. Nurmagomedov finished off his rout with a takedown and four rolls off the lace lock, while Cox used a takedown and gut wrench.

13:50: Miriani MAISURADZE (GEO) gave up two points to Adilet DAVLUMBAYEV (KAZ) but he rolls into the semifinals with a 12-2 technical superiority.

13:43: Local favorite Stevan MICIC (SRB) spends the first period fending off low single attempts by Toshihiro HASEGAWA (JPN), who only gets an activity point for his effort. Micic spins behind for a takedown in the second period, then twists the Japanese down for 4. An unsuccessful challenge gives Micic a 7-1.

13:41: Zelimkhan ABAKAROV (ALB) starts his 57kg quarterfinal by lifting Gulomjon ABDULLAEV (UZB) up high for a 4-point takedown. He ends it with a takedown and three rolls off the lock for a 13-2 technical fall.

13:40: Thomas GILMAN (USA) is up against Zanabazar ZANDANBUD (MGL) and he is up 4-0 with two takedowns. Gilman gives up a point in the second period. He moves into the semifinals with a 5-1.

13:33: 57kg quarterfinals with Darian CRUZ (PUR) and former U23 world bronze medalist Wanhao ZOU (CHN). Cruz is called passive and Zou has a 1-0 lead. In the second period, Cruz gets the point for Zou's passivity. He leads 1-1 on criteria. Zou with a takedown with 16 seconds remaining. He wins the quarterfinal 3-1.

13:26: Tajmuraz SALKAZANOV (SVK), holding the lead on criteria, scores a takedown with :12 left to clinch a 3-1 victory over Daichi TAKATANI (JPN) and fill the final quarterfinal spot at 74kg.

13:06: Only a few matches on Mat A to finish up before the start of the quarterfinals, in which all of the matches in each weight are started concurrently. Meanwhile, Feyzullah AKTURK (TUR) fills the final last-8 spot at 92kg with an 8-0 win over Simone IANNATTONI (ITA). Still two matches at 74kg to go.

12:57: Miriani MAISURADZE (GEO), holding the criteria advantage, prevents Sohsuke TAKATANI (JPN) from finishing off a deep takedown in the final seconds of their match at 92kg, and manages to keep his whizzer and a knee down as they go out of bounds with :01 left. The Japanese side challenges, but the call of no point is confirmed, giving Maisuradze a 2-1 and a place in the quarterfinals.

12:51: Osman NURMAGOMEDOV (AZE), a bronze medalist a year ago in Oslo at 92kg and the world U23 champion, gets a quick takedown and a pair of gut wrenches against Maxwell LACEY (CRC). Back on his feet, Nurmagomedov spins behind for a takedown, then a quick roll and it's over at 10-0 at 2:14 and he's into the quarterfinals.

12:47: Sagar JAGLAN (IND), a bronze medalist from world U20 in Sofia, picks up another technical superiority win against Diego SANDOVAL (MEX). He will now face Kyle DAKE (USA) in the quarterfinal.

12:38: Frank CHAMIZO (ITA) continues to play with fire. After leading 5-0 against Seungbong LEE (KOR), he gives up four points. A takedown helps him lead 7-4 before he wins 11-4

12:33: Gulomjon ABDULLAEV (UZB), who finished 7th at the Tokyo Olympics, just knocked off the silver medalist, Ravi DAHIYA (IND), and in a dominant fashion. Abdullaev scores exposure points when Dahiya tried to counter by coming over the top and finishes off a 10-0 technical fall with his third takedown of the match.

12:33: Kyle DAKE (USA) with a workman-like technical superiority win on Mat C against Suldkhuu OLONBAYAR (MGL). Dake's big attacks are working well and he is now into the quarterfinals.

12:30: On Mat D, Toshihiro HASEGAWA (JPN) keeps Beka BUJIASHVILI (GEO) on his toes with his constant attacks. But Bujiashvili also defends well. A scramble gives them two each with Hasegawa leading 4-2. He ultimately wins 8-2.

12:27: Returning silver medalist Tajmuraz SALKAZANOV (SVK), who won his second straight European gold earlier this year, dumps Cesar BORDEAUX (BRA) for a second 4-point takedown of the match to finish off a 12-0 technical fall at 74kg.

12:20: Minutes after Ghasempour won his bout, J'den COX (USA) comes on the mat against Yuxiang BI (CHN). He gets the grand amplitude throw for five and guts to win 10-0.

12:17: Kamran GHASEMPOUR (IRI) comes out blazing against  Adlan VISKHANOV (FRA) and is up 7-0 in no time. He continues his quick attacks and wins 10-0 inside the first period.

12:15: Reigning world champion Thomas GILMAN (USA) up against Georgii OKOROKOV (AUS) and he dumps him for a four and then adds a stepout. Okorokov does well to keep Gilman quiet for a long time but he ultimately goes down 11-0.

12:13: Asian bronze medalist Daichi TAKATANI (JPN) rallies for a stunning 6-6 victory over Asian silver medalist Nurkozha KAIPANOV (KAZ) at 74kg. Trailing 6-0 in the second period, Takatani constantly fights off Kaipanov's counter lifts to score the three takedowns he needs, with the third and final one coming with :01 on the clock! It's quite a scalp for Takatani, as Kaipanov is a two-time Asian champion and was a world silver medalist at 70kg in 2019.

12:12: Stevan MICIC (SRB) began slowly with just a takedown in the first period. But he unleashes a leg lace in the second period and secures a 12-1 win over Rakhat KALZHAN (KAZ)

12:06: Zanabazar ZANDANBUD (MGL) gets a fall over former U20 world champion silver medalist Muhammet KARAVUS (TUR) at 57kg. Uses a cradle to get the pin.

12:02: Hetik CABOLOV (SRB), who won world silver in 2017, gets a 4-point takedown en route to a 10-0 technical fall for the home team over Kamil RYBICKI (POL) at 74kg.

11:56: Soner DEMIRTAS (TUR) gives no chance to Asomiddin HASANOV (UZB) and moves into the 1/8 finals with a 10-0 technical superiority at 74kg.

11:50: Frank CHAMIZO (ITA) may have underestimated his opening bout opponent Giorgi SULAVA (GEO). The Georgian raced to a 6-0 lead before Chamizo got a takedown and three exposures to lead 8-6. Sulava did score another takedown but Chamizo managed to scrape through for a 12-8 win.

11:38: Defending world champion Kyle DAKE (USA) with his big moves against Islambek OROZBEKOV (KGZ) and he starts with a 10-0 at 74kg. He is followed by Younes EMAMI (IRI) who wins 10-0 against Enrique PEREZ (GUA) in one minute.

11:37: Sohsuke TAKATANI (JPN), who won a 2014 bronze medal at 74kg, is now wrestling at 92kg, and opened with a 10-0 technical fall over Jinmyeong KIM (KOR). Takatani competed in his third Olympics in Tokyo at 86kg. His younger brother Daichi is entered in his old weight class of 74kg.

11:30: Asian champion and Olympic silver medalist Ravi DAHIYA (IND), looking to become just the second world freestyle champion in Indian history, overwhelms Razvan KOVACS (ROU) at 57kg with a 10-0 technical fall.

11:25: Vicky HOODA (IND) must be kicking himself. He had a 3-0 lead for the longest time but Radoslaw MARCINKIEWICZ (POL) scored four points in the final minute to win the 92kg bout 4-3.

11:18: Gulomjon ABDULLAEV (UZB) was made to work a little but he wins 11-0 against Diamantino FAFE (GBS) at 57kg.

11:14: Toshihiro HASEGAWA (JPN) and Kamil KERYMOV (UKR) showing the quality at 57kg. Hasegawa got a 10-4 lead with his quirky style but Kerymov got a headlock for four. Hasegawa survived the pin but could not remain at the same level and Hasegawa wins 16-9.

11:13: The horn-honking and chanting from the Iranian fans begins long before 2021 silver medalist Alireza SARLAK (IRI) takes the mat against Wanhou ZOU (CHN) at 57kg, but the Chinese spoils the fun with a dramatic 6-2 win. Just as Sarlak is receiving an activity point to go ahead 2-1, Zou scores a takedown with :30 left. In a last-second scramble, Sarlak goes for the counter lift, but it's Zou who scores an exposure.

11:07: European champion Vladimir EGOROV (MKD) repeats his victory from the semifinals in Budapest over Manvel KHNDZRTSYAN (ARM), but has a much harder time than that 10-0 win in June. He barely grapevines his leg in for a takedown in the final seconds for a 7-5 win.

11:05: Reineri ORTEGA (CUB) warms up with an 11-0 technical superiority over Jakobo TAU (RSA) and he moves into the 1/8 finals.

11:00: U23 world champion  Aliabbas RZAZADE (AZE) was looking for the fall against Sunggwon KIM (KOR) in at 57kg but Kim survives that. But he can't stop Rzazade from winning the bout 4-4 on criteria. Kim had a stepout and passivity while Rzazade had two takedowns.

10:55: Franklin MAREN (CUB), a world bronze medalist in 2018, loses 12-2 to  Zielimkhan TOHUZOV (UKR) in the qualification round at 74kg. Tohuzov executes a beautiful fireman's carry for 4. After Maren responds with takedown, Tohuzov gets a takedown and rolls back-and-forth for the win. With 34 entries in the weight class, Tohuzov will have to win three more times just to make tonight's semifinals.

10:29: Hello from the Stark Arena in Belgrade for the morning session of Day 8. Competition continues in freestyle with the qualification rounds through the quarterfinals at 57kg, 74kg and 92kg. Enjoy!

#WrestleUlaanbaatar

Kamal survives scare in Ulaanbaatar amid Turkiye gold rush

By Vinay Siwach

ULAANBAATAR, Mongolia (May 30) -- Turkiye captured all three Greco-Roman gold medals on offer on Friday with European champion Kerem KAMAL (TUR) surviving a tough final to win at 63kg, and Paris Olympians Enes BASAR (TUR) and Hamza BAKIR (TUR) winning at 60kg and 130kg respectively.

Kamal, who won European Championships gold in dominant fashion, could not replicate that performance from April but still managed to win gold. In the final, he survived a scare against Asian Championships bronze medalist Hanjae CHUNG (KOR), winning 6-6 on criteria, thanks to a foul from Chung.

Both had wrestled in the group stages as well as this weight category only had seven wrestlers and were divided into two groups. Kamal came out on top 6-3 in that match.

But the final began with Chung scoring a takedown in the first minute and then adding another point when he was given the par terre advantage. However, he failed to score from that position.

In the second period, Kamal scored a push from par terre and had Chung's back on the mat for two points. He then lifted Chung upside down and completed a throw during which Chung committed a defensive leg foul.

Korea challenged the call but lost which gave Kamal a 6-4 lead. Chung tried to score and during the final 10 seconds, he pushed Kamal to the zone and the Turkish wrestler lost his balance, giving up a takedown.

Chung tied it 6-6 but Kamal led on criteria as Chung had committed the leg foul earlier. Chung realized it later that he was losing the final.

"I think it was a bit of a misjudgment because I thought I was winning and I didn't try hard for last 7 seconds at the end," Chung said. "I'm training hard with [former world champion] Hansu RYU (KOR) as my role model, and I'm trying to copy his style a lot."

For Kamal, the tournament was an eye-opener, especially for his performance against the Asian wrestlers.

"It was a very difficult tournament," Kamal said. "From the first round to the final match, I had very strong and very tough opponents. It was one of the hardest matches I've had this year. Winning is important, but in this tournament I realized that I have many mistakes. I'm thinking that I'm going to watch all my matches over and over again and analyze them and try to wrestle in a way that is more error-free and less pointless."

As he gears up to win his first senior world title in Zagreb later this September, Kamal is now wary of his opponents from Asia and wants to tackle them with more conviction.

"All my opponents are Asian," he said. "Kyrgyz, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Iranian. These are my strongest opponents. When you look at it, most of my opponents are from Asia, so I try to wrestle like Asians. I try to train like them, because they are very difficult to keep up with, they are very active. But as I said, as much as I can stop them, as much as I can do, as long as I can, I will continue to wrestle with them and wrestle like him."

Despite his close matches against Chung, Kamal looked in supreme form, especially while defending on par terre, as he captured his second Ranking Series gold medal of the year. His first gold was in Tirana, Albania.

"I don't think about it there [on the mat], to be honest, because I'm in a completely negative position," he said. "I'm trying to get out of it by doing all the weird things I can. The important thing is that I don't get scored there. It doesn't matter how I do it, what I do, the important thing is not to give points to my opponent and to continue in that way. So I'm very happy that I was able to do that."

Enes BASAR (TUR)Enes BASAR (TUR), blue, won gold medal at 60kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Amirreza Aliasgari)

Basar, who was at the Paris Olympics at 60kg, won four bouts in the day to claim the gold medal. He began with an 8-3 win over Kurmanbek ZHAPAROV (KGZ) but his second against Akyl SULAIMANOV (KGZ) tested him to the limits. He made two comebacks to win 16-5, using a strong gut-wrench.

He followed that win by beating SURAJ (IND), 8-0, in a minute and 13 seconds before finishing his campaign with a 10-2 win over Ganbayar NAMSRAI (MGL).

Hamza BAKIR (TUR)Hamza BAKIR (TUR) claimed the 130kg gold medal in Ulaanbaatar. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Amirreza Aliasgari)

The most dominant run of the day came from Hamza BAKIR (TUR) at 130kg, as he won all his four bouts via technical superiority.

In his first bout, he gave up a point for passivity but still managed to win 9-1 against Erlan MANATBEKOV (KGZ). That was the only point he gave in the competition, winning his next three bouts via technical superiority.

He defeated Turbat BATBAYAR (MGL), 8-0, in Round 2, PREM (IND) with identical scoreline in Round 3 and in Round 5, he won against Nambardagva BATBAYAR (MGL), 8-0.

RESULTS

60kg
GOLD: Enes BASAR (TUR)
SILVER: SURAJ (IND)
BRONZE: Akyl SULAIMANOV (KGZ)

63kg
GOLD: Kerem KAMAL (TUR) df. Hanjae CHUNG (KOR), 6-6

BRONZE: Aref MOHAMMADI (QAT) df. Mohammad KESHTKAR (IRI),

130kg
GOLD: Hamza BAKIR (TUR)
SILVER: Nambardagva BATBAYAR (MGL)
BRONZE: Erlan MANATBEKOV (KGZ)