#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!

#WrestleBelgrade

World Championships: Mirzazadeh finally topples giant Kayaalp; Makhmudov repeats

By Ken Marantz

BELGRADE, Serbia (September 22) -- After losses to Riza KAYAALP (TUR) in each of the past two years, Amin MIRZAZADEH (IRI) finally found a way to topple the giant. The way to do it was laterally.

Mirzazadeh scored two stepouts for a dramatic 2-2 victory on last-point criteria late in the Greco-Roman 130kg final over five-time champion Kayaalp at the World Championships on Friday night, avenging losses to the Turkish great in last year's final and at the Tokyo Olympics.

"Right after last year's World Championships where I won the silver medal, after about two weeks, I started training to achieve this gold medal," Mirzazadeh said. "I’m happy that I got the answer for my efforts and was able to win this gold medal."

Akzhol MAKHMUDOV (KGZ) also needed last-point criteria to successfully defend his 77kg crown, holding off a fierce challenge from Sanan SULEYMANOV (AZE) in a 1-1 nail-biter.

Meanwhile, Azerbaijan claimed the golds in the two non-Olympic weight classes up for grabs, with Eldaniz AZIZLI (AZE) repeating at 55kg in a rematch of the 2022 final and Olympic bronze medalist Rafig HUSEYNOV (AZE) regaining the title at 82kg.

The tournament is also serving as the first qualifier for the 2024 Paris Olympics, with all of the medalists in the Olympic weights as well as winners of special fifth-place playoffs secured quotas for their countries. Interestingly, all 10 places on the first night of the Greco finals went to different countries.

Amin MIRZAZADEH (IRI)Amin MIRZAZADEH (IRI) celebrates after winning the 130kg final in Belgrade. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

The 25-year-old Mirzazadeh's victory over Kayaalp marked the pinnacle of a journey that started when he first burst onto the senior international scene by winning the gold medal at the 2020 Asian Championships. A year later, he was appearing in his first Olympics, where he lost 7-3 in Tokyo to Kayaalp in the bronze-medal match.

Three months later, he was in Belgrade, where he won the gold at the World U23 Championships. Mirzazadeh and Kayaalp would cross paths for the second time when he returned to Belgrade for last year's worlds, where Kayaalp came away with a 1-1 win for his fifth world title.

Mirzazadeh came into Belgrade this year having won a second Asian title in April and a victory at the Bishkek Ranking Series event in June under his belt.

"I’ll try my best to improve day by day to become better and be able to shine for my country in the next competitions, and be a message of happiness for my people and be able to win a gold medal," Mirzazadeh said. "And also I hope to be able to win a gold medal in the upcoming Olympics."

In Friday's final, Kayaalp received the first of two passivity points, but Mirzazadeh slipped out of the big Turk's grasp in par terre. Only through his remarkable dexterity did Kayaalp avoid giving up a reversal or worse, leaving the score 1-0 as the first period ended.

In the second period, Kayaalp missed a chance to score when the Mirzazadeh lost his balance after a mighty shove but showed some nimbleness himself by scrambling to avoid a stepout. Kayaalp then got a second passivity point to go up 2-0.

Amin MIRZAZADEH (IRI)Amin MIRZAZADEH (IRI) scoring the winning stepout against Riza KAYAALP (TUR). (Photo: United World Wrestling)

Over the past decade or more, at such a point a victory by Kayaalp was almost a done deal. But Mirzazadeh was not ready to concede, and when he scored a stepout with 1:13 left, the cheers from the large Iranian contingent in the crowd started growing louder.

A key point in the match came at :54, when Kayaalp was called for passivity. Mirzazadeh opted to remain standing, feeling that he had a better chance of scoring from his feet. It was the right strategy.

Securing an underhook, he drove Kayaalp toward the edge and, as the two spun completely around once, forced him over the edge with :06.2 on the clock. Kayaalp flopped to the mat in disbelief, and could only stand in shock in the middle as time ran out.

"I know that my family always worked hard for me and I’m always grateful to them," Mirzazadeh said. "For one year, they told me about this, that you should go to the final and beat Riza Kayaalp. 'It's time to do that, you must do that.' And I’m happy that I was able to make them happy."

With the silver he received on Friday, the 33-year-old Kayaalp now has a total of 10 world medals to go along with his silver and two bronzes from the Olympics.

Akzhol MAKHMUDOV (KGZ)Akzhol MAKHMUDOV (KGZ) defeated Sanan SULEYMANOV (AZE) in the 77kg final. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

Makhmudov, the silver medalist at the Tokyo Olympics, became along with Zholoman SHARSHENBEKOV (KGZ) the first Greco-Roman world champions in Kyrgyzstan history when they struck gold together last year in Belgrade.

He needed all of his extraordinary power to stave off Suleymanov in the 77kg final and relegate the Azeri to a second silver medal in three years.

"I don’t know what to say now, it’s difficult to describe it with words," Makhmudov said. "I know one thing for sure, I am very glad. I would like to express my gratitude to all the people who supported me, and to all the Kyrgyz people who prayed for me."

Suleymanov got the first passivity point in the first period, but could not budge Makhmudov in par terre. The same occurred when the situation was reversed in the second period, which put Makhmudov ahead on criteria.

Suleymanov had one solid chance for a winning score, and he came oh so close to getting it. Put on top in par terre with just over a minute to go, he actually lifted Makhmudov off the mat, but couldn't get the inertia to launch a throw. Makhmudov then held on for the win.

"The final match was not very interesting, but it was tense," Makhmudov said. "As it is said, the champion shouldn’t be judged. Most important is that the hand was raised. I wrestled clean, and I am glad."

To make the final, Makhmudov had to survive an inspired comeback from unheralded Nao KUSAKA (JPN) in the semifinals on Thursday.

"The match against the Japanese wrestler was very interesting," Makhmudov said. "He later won the bronze medal. He is a very worthy opponent.

"I can’t say that I was in my best shape. It was only around 30-40 percent. An athlete can not always be in top physical shape. For now, I have to work hard for the Olympics in order to get into my best shape."

Makhmudov has a little turnaround time before preparing for his next challenge, the Asian Games in China in two weeks. But he is already considering the preparations for Paris.

"In order to win the Olympic gold, I must think about it all the time, when I wake up in the morning, and when I go to bed," he said. "There isn’t much time left, only 10 months.

"Hopefully, if don’t have any injuries or problems, I will do my best to prepare for the Olympics. I was one step away from the Olympic gold [in 2021]. I really want to win the Olympic gold medal for my people."

Eldaniz AZIZLI (AZE)Eldaniz AZIZLI (AZE) became a three-time world champion for Azerbaijan. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

At 55kg, Azizli got the best of Nugzari TSURTSUMIA (GEO) for the second year in a row, chalking up a 13-4 technical fall in a match that got off to an explosive start and was over in less than a minute.

In a blink-and-you-missed-it moment, Tsurtsumia, the 2019 world champion, caught Azizil with a 4-point arm throw. But the Azeri rolled through the move to get 2 of his own and landed in the top position. From there, Azizli hit a pair of lift-and-throws, and a 2-point fleeing penalty against Tsurtsumia put Azizli up 10-4.

Because of the caution, the match resumed with Azizli on top in par terre, and it ended after 49 seconds with another 2-point penalty against Tsurtsumia after his arm got caught between the two bodies and touched the leg. An unsuccessful challenge added the final point.

For Azizli, a seven-time European medalist, the victory gave him a third world title and fifth world medal overall. He first won the gold in 2018.

Huseynov followed a short time later by edging Alireza MOHMADIPIANI (IRI) 2-1 in the 82kg final, with a reversal from the bottom of par terre in the first period proving the difference.

The 35-year-old Huseynov regained the world gold he won two years ago in Oslo. He also has a silver medal from 2019.

Oscar PINO (CUB)Oscar PINO (CUB) won the bronze medal at 130kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

Pino opens Olympic door for Lopez

In the bronze-medal matches, Oscar PINO (CUB) got an exposure that was upgraded after a challenge by his opponent and came away with a 5-1 victory over Romas FRIDRIKAS (LTU) at 130kg for which compatriot Mijain LOPEZ (CUB) will likely be the beneficiary.

Pino was given two points for his effort from par terre, but when the Lithuanian challenged whether there was exposure or not, it backfired and the call was changed to four. Fridrikas gained a stepout point in the second period but could otherwise not budge the burly Cuban.

For Pino, it was his fourth world medal. But it also earned Cuba the Olympic quota, and it appears likely that Pino will yield the spot to the legendary Lopez so that he can make a run at an unprecedented fifth Olympic gold.

Six-time African champion Abdellatif MOHAMED (EGY) picked up his first global medal when he survived a late surge by Lingzhe MENG (CHN) and notched a 3-2 victory for the other 130kg bronze.

Mohamed had two passivity points and a stepout for a 3-0 lead when Meng put the pressure on, scoring two stepouts in the final minute. And he was pressing for another when time ran out.

Malkhas AMOYAN (ARM)Malkhas AMOYAN (ARM) tries to pin Demeu ZHADRAYEV (KAZ) on his way to win the 77kg bronze medal. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

Malkhas AMOYAN (ARM) will leave Belgrade with a bronze medal for the second straight year, with the added bonus of a Paris quota, after rallying with a 4-point throw to defeat Demeu ZHADRAYEV (KAZ) 9-7 in a thriller at 77kg.

Amoyan, the world champion in 2021, was leading 3-2 in the second period when Zhadrayev got a stepout, a failed challenge point and a passivity point to go ahead 5-3. But when he attempted a roll from par terre, Amoyan stepped over and stuffed it for 2.

Amoyan wasn't finished there. Ending up on top, he flung the Kazakh for 4 to put the match out of reach. Zhadrayev, a four-time Asian medalist still looking for his first world medal, got a late stepout and fleeing penalty point.

Nao KUSAKA (JPN)Nao KUSAKA (JPN) won his first bout against Mohammadali GERAEI (IRI) at 77kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

Kusaka, a world U23 bronze medalist, capped an impressive performance in his senior debut by notching an 8-0 technical fall over former world silver medalist Aram VARDANYAN (UZB) for the other 77kg bronze and Paris ticket.

Put in par terre in the first period, Kusaka responded with a somewhat unorthodox reverse headlock for 2, then later got a fourth point when the Uzbeki side unsuccessfully challenged a 4-point move that was judged a trip.

In the second period, Kusaka let fly with a lightning-quick arm throw for 4 that ended the match at 3:20, making him the heaviest Greco-Roman world medalist in Japanese history.

There had never been a Japanese on the podium over 68kg.

"It's my specialty," Kusaka said of his winning throw. "On the biggest stage, I wanted to use my top move."

Kusaka showed he had the potential to make his mark in Belgrade when he finished second at the Grand Prix of Germany in August, where he lost in the final to Victor NEMES (SRB), who fell in the quarterfinals on Thursday.

The 22-year-old Kusaka, an alumnus of wrestling power Nippon Sports Science University, put on quite a show in Belgrade, beating three-time world medalist Mohammadali GERAEI (IRI) in the first round and giving Makhmudov a run for his money in the semifinals.

Now he is setting his sights even higher. By winning a medal in Belgrade, Kusaka automatically fills the Olympic spot himself in accordance with criteria established by the Japanese federation.

"The real competition starts from now," Kusaka said. "You don't get anything just for being in the Olympics, in the end, you have to win a medal. Well, a medal, I want to win the gold."

At 55kg, Asian champion Poya DAD MARZ (IRI) added a senior bronze to the world U23 gold he won last year, getting two gut wrenches in par terre in the first period and holding on to defeat Marlan MUKASHEV (KAZ) 6-3.

Dad Marz looked well on his way to victory when he held out on the bottom of par terre in the second period. But Mukashev suddenly came to life and scored a takedown with 25 seconds, then lifted Dad Marz into the air for what could have been a winning throw. But he never got one off, and a challenge that had no chance added the final point.

Jasurbek ORTIKBOEV (UZB) came away with a world bronze for the second straight year, defeating Artiom DELEANU (MDA) 6-1 in the other third-place match at 55kg.

Ortikboev, a two-time Asian medalist, used an arm drag for a takedown, then added an exposure and gut wrench to put Deleanu into a six-point hole. Deleanu managed a stepout off a whizzer counter in the second period, but nothing more.

Aues GONIBOV (AIN) will take home a bronze in his senior world debut, and it only took defeating the reigning world and European champion. The 2019 world junior (U20) silver medalist defeated Burhan AKBUDAK (TUR) 6-3 at 82kg.

Gonibov opened with a stepout, then, put on top in par terre, received a 2-point penalty while trying to execute a throw. He followed that with a 2-point throw to go up 6-0. In the second period, Akbudak had his chance in par terre, but could only manage one roll from a reverse body lock.

Akbudak will leave Belgrade empty-handed after winning a silver in 2021 and the gold last year.

European silver medalist Yaroslav FILCHAKOV (UKR) also became a bronze medalist for the second straight year when he came out on top of Mihail BRADU (MDA) in an 82kg match limited to passivity points.

Bradu received a point in the first period and Filchakov in the second, and when neither could generate any technical points, it gave the Ukrainian the win.

Aram VARDANYAN (UZB)Aram VARDANYAN (UZB) won the Olympic playoff at 77kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

Uzbekistan, China gain Paris places

In the Olympic weights, Vardanyan and Meng gave Uzbekistan and China, respectively, a Paris berth by coming back to the mat and winning fifth-place playoffs.

Vardanyan exected two gut wrenches from par terre in the first period, then held on for a 5-4 victory over Zhadrayev at 77kg.

For Meng, getting the second passivity point gave him a 1-1 victory on last-point criteria over Fridrakas at 130kg.

dfg

Day 7 Results

Greco-Roman

55kg (20 entries)
GOLD: Eldaniz AZIZLI (AZE) df. Nugzari TSURTSUMIA (GEO) by TF, 13-4, :49

BRONZE: Poya DAD MARZ (IRI) df. Marlan MUKASHEV (KAZ), 6-3
BRONZE: Jasurbek ORTIKBOEV (UZB) df. Artiom DELEANU (MDA), 6-1

60kg (40 entries)
GOLD: Kenichiro FUMITA (JPN) vs. Zholaman SHARSHENBEKOV (KGZ)

Semifinal: Kenichiro FUMITA (JPN) df. Gevorg GHARIBYAN (ARM), 5-1
Semifinal: Zholaman SHARSHENBEKOV (KGZ) df. Mehdi MOHSEN NEJAD (IRI), 4-3

72kg (24 entries)
GOLD: Ibrahim GHANEM (FRA) vs. Robert FRITSCH (HUN)

Semifinal: Ibrahim GHANEM (FRA) df. Selcuk CAN (TUR), 4-0
Semifinal: Robert FRITSCH (HUN) df. Shingo HARADA (JPN), 3-1

77kg (45 entries)
GOLD: Akzhol MAKHMUDOV (KGZ) df. Sanan SULEYMANOV (AZE), 1-1

BRONZE: Malkhas AMOYAN (ARM) df. Demeu ZHADRAYEV (KAZ), 9-7
BRONZE: Nao KUSAKA (JPN) df. Aram VARDANYAN (UZB) by TF, 8-0, 3:20

5th-Place Playoff: Aram VARDANYAN (UZB) df. Demeu ZHADRAYEV (KAZ), 5-4

82kg (24 entries)
GOLD: Rafig HUSEYNOV (AZE) df. Alireza MOHMADIPIANI (IRI), 2-1

BRONZE: Yaroslav FILCHAKOV (UKR) df. Mihail BRADU (MDA), 1-1
BRONZE: Aues GONIBOV (AIN) df. Burhan AKBUDAK (TUR), 6-3

97kg (37 entries)
GOLD: Artur ALEKSANYAN (ARM) vs Gabriel ROSILLO (CUB)

Semifinal: Artur ALEKSANYAN (ARM) df. Mindaugas VENCKAITIS (LTU) by TF, 9-0, 2:02
Semifinal: Gabriel ROSILLO (CUB) df. Mohammadhadi SARAVI (IRI), 3-0

130kg (30 entries)
GOLD: Amin MIRZAZADEH (IRI) df. Riza KAYAALP (TUR), 2-2

BRONZE: Abdellatif MOHAMED (EGY) df. Lingzhe MENG (CHN), 3-2
BRONZE: Oscar PINO (CUB) df. Romas FRIDRIKAS (LTU), 5-1

5th-Place Playoff: Lingzhe MENG (CHN) df. Romas FRIDRIKAS (LTU), 1-1