#WrestleSkopje

Russia, Ukraine in Thrilling WW Title Race at #WrestleSkopje

Thursday, May 20, 2021 - 19:49 By Vinay Siwach

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SKOPJE, North Macedonia (May 20) --- Ukraine and Russia are involved in a thrilling team title race in women's wrestling at the U23 European Championships.

While Russia dominated with four finalists on Wednesday compared to Ukraine's two, the latter entered three into the finals on Thursday while Russia fell behind to only two.

On Thursday, Ukraine saw their wrestlers reaching the semifinal in each weight class that was in action at the Jane Sandanski Arena in Skopje, North Macedonia. Two, however, failed to reach the finals.

Alina AKOBIYA (UKR), Tetiana RIZHKO (UKR) and Kateryna ZELENYKH (UKR) reached the finals in 57kg, 62kg and 65kg weight category for Ukraine. For Russia, Ekaterina VERBINA (RUS) and Marina SUROVTSEVA (RUS) entered the 50kg and 72kg final.

The Ukraine wrestlers just did not reach the finals, but they made sure their opponents know it, Of the 10 semifinals, five were decided via fall and three of them were performed by wrestlers from Ukraine.

Alina AKOBIYA U23 European Championships

Akobiya led the way for them with victory in the 57kg semifinal against Sezen BELBEROVA (BUL). She began with a takedown to lead 2-0 and added another with a single leg which she managed to convert into a fall. But in the process, Belberova was hit on the forehead which resulted in bleeding before the fall action began. That only delayed the eventual result.

The wrestlers were called to the center with Akobiya leading 6-0. Belberova was put in a par terre position from which Akobiya managed to pin her.

That was not the first of the day for Akobiya as she had won both her previous bouts in similar fashion. Eda TEKIN (TUR) was pinned in the first period during the qualification bout while U23 Euro champ at 55kg Viktoriia VAULINA (RUS) was stunned as well with a fall after 12-1 score.

Akobiya will be eyeing her first U23 Euro gold after falling short in Novi Sad in 2019. But Patrycja GIL (POL) will be between her and the gold.

Gil, a junior world champion, used three takedowns and two stepouts to beat Othelie HOEIE (NOR) 8-0 in the other semifinal. In the quarterfinal, she defeated Hanna VAHER (BLR) 2-1.

Individual World Cup champ Rizhko will also be looking for her first U23 Euro title after she reached the final at 62kg. She humbled senior and U23 European medalist Anhelina LYSAK (POL) in the semifinal. Rizhko had an early takedown and then she got Lysak in a head lock and threw her over the shoulder. A fall was confirmed as Rizhko won in two minutes and 43 seconds.

Tatsiana PAULAVA (BLR) will try and stop Rizhko from winning the gold as she reached the summit clash from the top side of the bracket. In the semifinal, she scored couple of takedowns and a gut against Cansu AKSOY (TUR) to lead 6-0 at the break before a hitting a counter for four points and claiming the pin.

But her bigger win came in the quarterfinal where she defeated junior Euro champion and Russian Championships bronze medalist Maria LACHUGINA (RUS) 4-2.

At 65kg, Zelenykh was the quickest among the semifinalists to get the pin as she finished the bout in just one minute in 43 seconds. Even in that small period, a total of 11 points were scored. Zelenykh scored a 4 using a hip-toss before a takedown against Asli DEMIR (TUR). The Turkey wrestler also responded with a takedown at the edge. Her corner challenged the call, asking for four points but lost the challenge and Zelenykh led 7-2.

A single leg attack to expose Demir to her back before getting the fall gave the Ukrainian a spot in the final where she will face Irina RINGACI (MDA).

Quickly becoming one of the most feared wrestlers in 62-65kg weight classes, Ringaci also finished her semifinal against Kamila KULWICKA (POL) via fall.

Kulwicka made several attempts to get points on Ringaci but failed every time as the Moldova wrestler countered her moves. She got the first takedown via a counter before another and an exposure made it 6-0. Kulwicka again came with a single leg attack but Ringaci defended that and scored two points. Ringaci took some time but the pin was secured in 4:08.

There was disappointment as well for Ukraine as Maria VYNNYK (UKR) at 53kg and Anastasiya ALPYEYEVA (UKR) at 72kg failed to win their semifinals.

Zeynep YETGIL (TUR) upset Vynnyk in the final second by scoring a stepout and winning 3-3 on criteria. Yetgil will now take on Verbina who controlled her semifinal against Szimonetta SZEKER (HUN) 6-0.

At 72kg, Alpyeyeva gave a tough fight but Surovtseva was too strong for her. After a couple of takedowns, the Russian led 4-0 at the break. Alpyeyeva managed an attack with caught the Russian off guard. But the win was secured by Surovtseva 6-2 with ease.

She will wrestle Wiktoria CHOLUJ (POL) in the final on Friday. Choluj needs to thank her Gods as she managed to sneak past Anastasiya ZIMIANKOVA (BLR) 2-1 in the semifinal.

With the bout tied 1-1 with 24 seconds left, Choluj managed to get a step out and a 2-1 lead which she kept until the clock expired.

Russia, Ukraine win 2 gold each

By the time the final session ended in Skopje, Russia, with 90 points, had a small four-point led over Ukraine in the team title race.

Ukraine stopped Russia from gaining a big lead as Khrystyna DEMKO (UKR) defeated Aleksandra SKIRENKO (RUS) in the 55kg final while Oksana CHUDYK (UKR) held off Vusala PARFIANOVICH (RUS) in the 68kg final.

The two defeats hurt Russia despite their two gold medals at 50kg and 76kg.

Ukraine earned bronze medals at 50kg and 59kg but their absence from the podium at 76kg may come back to hurt them in the final scores.

The lone gold winner who did not represent the two countries was Anastasia NICHITA (MDA) as she defeated Tamara DOLLAK (HUN) 10-0 in a blink of an eye.

The defending European and world medalist put on a show of strength as she trapped Dollack in a arm to chest lock to get four turns and the win as she defended her U23 Euro gold.

Mariia TIUMEREKOVA (RUS) won the gold at 50kg as she eased past Anastasiya YANOTOVA (BLR) 7-2. Using single leg attacks, the Russian got a 5-0 lead at the break before Yanotova scored two step outs. But a takedown late in the bout sealed the gold for Tiumerekova.

DEMKO

Demko combined a takedwon and gut thrice in the final against Aleksandra SKIRENKO (RUS) to win 12-1 at 59kg. This was her first European title at the U23 level.

In another Ukraine-Russia final, Chudyk scored a takedown via an arm drag against Vusala PARFIANOVICH (RUS) in the last 30 seconds of their 68kg final to lead 3-2. She managed to keep the Russian at bay and win the gold medal. This adds to her cadet and junior European titles.

Russia managed to lock the gold at 76kg as Evgeniia ZAKHARCHENKO (RUS) needed only two minutes and 21 seconds to win 10-0 against Aysegul OZBEGE (TUR). She snapped Ozbege at the 40th second of the bout and got three exposures to lead 8-0. The final takedown was also scored via a snap down.

Focus will shift to Greco-Roman as wrestler from five weight classes – 55kg, 63kg, 77kg, 87kg, 130kg – will take the mat.

Results: WW Semifinals

53kg
GOLD: Zeynep YETGIL (TUR) vs Ekaterina VERBINA (RUS)

SF 1: Zeynep YETGIL (TUR) df Mariia VYNNYK (UKR), 3-3
SF 2: Ekaterina VERBINA (RUS) df Szimonetta SZEKER (HUN), 6-0

57kg
GOLD: Patrycja GIL (POL) vs Alina AKOBIIA (UKR)

SF 1: Patrycja GIL (POL) df Othelie HOEIE (NOR), 8-0
SF 2: Alina AKOBIIA (UKR) df Sezen BELBEROVA (BUL), via fall (10-0)

62kg
GOLD: Tatsiana PAULAVA (BLR) vs Tetiana RIZHKO (UKR)

SF 1: Tatsiana PAULAVA (BLR) df Cansu AKSOY (TUR), via fall (10-2)
SF 2: Tetiana RIZHKO (UKR) df Anhelina LYSAK (POL), via fall (6-0)

65kg
GOLD: Irina RINGACI (MDA) vs Kateryna ZELENYKH (UKR)

SF 1: Irina RINGACI (MDA) df Kamila KULWICKA (POL), via fall (11-0)
SF 2: Kateryna ZELENYKH (UKR) df Asli DEMIR (TUR), via fall (9-2)

72kg
GOLD: Wiktoria CHOLUJ (POL) vs Marina SUROVTSEVA (RUS)

SF 1: Marina SUROVTSEVA (RUS) df Anastasiya ALPYEYEVA (UKR), 6-2
SF 2: Wiktoria CHOLUJ (POL) df Anastasiya ZIMIANKOVA (BLR), 2-1

U23 European Championships

WW Medal Bouts

50kg
GOLD: Mariia TIUMEREKOVA (RUS) df Anastasiya YANOTOVA (BLR), 7-2

BRONZE: Liliia MALANCHUK (UKR) df Lisa ERSEL (GER), via fall (6-2)
BRONZE: Aynur ERGE (TUR) df Maria LEORDA (MDA), 10-0

55kg
GOLD: Khrystyna DEMKO (UKR) df Aleksandra SKIRENKO (RUS), 12-1

BRONZE: Esra PUL (TUR) df Beatrice FERENT (ROU), via fall (5-1)
BRONZE: Dominika KULWICKA (POL) df Aleksandrina KASHINOVA (BUL), 3-2

59kg
GOLD: Anastasia NICHITA (MDA) df Tamara DOLLAK (HUN), 10-0

BRONZE: Krystsina SAZYKINA (BLR) df Maria BAEZ DILONE (ESP), 4-3
BRONZE: Solomiia VYNNYK (UKR) df Anne NUERNBERGER (GER), 14-4

68kg
GOLD: Oksana CHUDYK (UKR) df Vusala PARFIANOVICH (RUS), 3-2

BRONZE: Ewelina CIUNEK (POL) df Kendra DACHER (FRA), via fall (6-2)
BRONZE: Nesrin BAS (TUR) df Natallia BELSKAYA (BLR), via fall (9-0)

76kg
GOLD: Evgeniia ZAKHARCHENKO (RUS) df Aysegul OZBEGE (TUR), 10-0

BRONZE: Diana VLASCEANU (ROU) df Andela PRIJOVIC (SRB), 10-0
BRONZE: Enrica RINALDI (ITA) df Kamile GAUCAITE (LTU), via fall (4-0)

#WrestleAmman

Asian C'ships 2025 Day 4 Women's Wrestling Finals Set

Friday, March 28, 2025 - 08:28 By Ken Marantz & Vinay Siwach

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AMMAN, Jordan (March 28) -- After five Women's Wrestling weight classes, it's turn for the remaining five -- 53kg, 57kg, 62kg, 65kg and 72kg -- at the Asian Championships which enters day four.

WATCH LIVE | LIVE MATCH ORDER | DAY 3 REPORT

72kg gold medal bout: Zhamila BAKBERGENOVA (KAZ) vs Yuqi LIU (CHN)

14:17: Yuqi LIU (CHN) earns a shot at adding the senior Asian 72kg gold to the U20 one she won last year when she notches a 5-2 victory over Svetlana OKNAZAROVA (UZB). Early in the first period, Liu misses an opportunity when she gets Oknazarova's leg into the air, only to see the Uzbek twist herself free. Liu gets an activity point and that accounts for the lone score of the first period. The action opens in the second period, and Liu scores with a single-leg takedown, but Oknazarova responds with a double-leg that puts Liu onto her back, but is scored only as a 2-pointer. Liu adds an insurance takedown on a counter. 

14:15: Former world champion Masako FURUICHI (JPN) and four-time world medalist Zhamila BAKBERGENOVA (KAZ) battle it out in the 72kg semifinals and it's a snoozefest. Bakbergenova gets the 1-0 lead after Furuichi fails to score when put on activity clock in the first period. Furuichi gets the 1-1 criteria lead when Bakbergenova fails to score in the second. Bakbergenova is hit with another passivity in the second period and Furuichi leads 2-1 with 43 seconds on the clock. Bakbergenova gets Furuichi out of bounds but she is on her knees and it's called no points. Furuichi defends with all might but Bakbergenova scores the stepout this time to win 2-2. Bakbergenova with the win with 0.6 seconds left despite Japan's challenge.

65kg gold medal bout: Miwa MORIKAWA (JPN) vs. Enkhjin TUVSHINJARGAL (MGL)

14:02: World 59kg champion Qi ZHANG (CHN) manages to cut Miwa MORIKAWA (JPN) lead to 4-2 with a takedown but Morikawa gets two takedowns in the final minute and Zhang gets one. Morikawa wins 8-4 to enter the final at 65kg. In her only other Asian Championships appearance in 2022, Morikawa won gold but it was a round-robin bracket in which she did not get to celebrate the win in final, a fact she rued that year. 

13:58: Enkhjin TUVSHINJARGAL (MGL) will get a chance to improve on her silver from last year, advancing to the 65kg final with victory by fall over Shakhzoda ALLANIYAZOVA (UZB). Tuvshinjargal gets in deep on a double, and when Allaniyazova goes over the top in defense, Tuvshinjargal twists backward for a 2-point exposure. She then works her way up to fall position and pins Allaniyazova down at 1:59.

62kg gold medal bout: Ok Ju KIM (PRK) vs MANISHA (IND)

13:54: After three consecutive bronze medals, MANISHA (IND) will finally be fighting for the gold when she chalks up a 5-1 victory at 62kg over Kalmira BILIMBEK KYZY (KGZ). Limited to an activity point in the first period, Manisha starts the second period with a stepout, then adds a snap-down takedown. She scores another stepout with a minute to go, then inadvertently gives up one when she goes out spinning behind for a takedown.

13:50: In perhaps the match of the semifinal session, Ok Ju KIM (KIM) secures the fall over Nonoka OZAKI (JPN) at 62kg. Kim tried the cradle, then went for the half-nelson before pinning Ozaki and make it to the 62kg final on international debut for the 24-year-old.

57kg gold medal bout: Il SIM SON (PRK) vs Sara NATAMI (JPN)

13:42: Il Sim SON (PRK) follows Natami by also bringing an early end to her 57kg semifinal, using a barrel roll to put Youngjin KWON (KOR) onto her back, then moving to a headlock and leg wrap to secure the fall in 2:08.

13:41: Kexin HONG (CHN) can't catch a break getting pinned via step overs from her opponents. Anastasia NICHITA (MDA) did it in the semifinals at the Paris Olympics now at the Asian Championships, Sara NATAMI (JPN) gets the fall.

53kg gold medal bout: Moe KIYOOKA (JPN) vs. Hyogyong CHOE (PRK)

13:40: In a much-anticipated clash between young stars, Moe KIYOOKA (JPN) goes on the offensive as expected in their 53kg semifinal and ANTIM (IND) does what she does best, fending off. For one period at least. Kiyooka, limited to an activity point in the first period, breaks through with Antim on the activity clock for a single-leg takedown, then adds a thigh-lock roll. The world 55kg champion then repeats the process to end the match with a 10-0 win in 4:10.

13:35: Hyogyong CHOE (PRK) takes only a minute and 13 seconds to complete her leg lace and win 10-0 against Otgontuya CHINBOLD (MGL) and reach the 53kg final.

Semifinals will begin 13:30 Amman time.

13:00: ANTIM (IND) with a low single as soon as the whistle goes for the 53kg quarterfinal against world U20 champion and senior world silver medalist Jin ZHANG (CHN). She adds a takedown to make it 4-0 inside the first minute. Zhang with a double hand lock throw but Antim survives the pin attempt. Another takedown for Antim and she leads 6-2 at the break. Antim adds another takedown with snapdown for an 8-2 lead. Her double underhooks help her defend whatever Zhang is throwing at her. Zhang gets two points after Antim defends with a chestwrap but Zhang exposes her. She adds another to cut the lead to 8-6. Both wrestlers in a tangle and referees call for a consultation. It is scored two for Antim, two for Zhang, giving Antim a 10-8 win. China challenge the decision. On review it is Antim is awarded two points twice and she wins 10-6

12:47: Enkhjin TUVSHINJARGAL (MGL) with a fall over Jeongae BARK (KOR) in the 65kg quarterfinal. Perfect headlock for the fall

12:44: Miwa MORIKAWA (JPN) had to launch a big four-pointer to lead 4-2 against Gaukhar MUKATAY (KAZ) in the 65kg quarterfinal.. Mukatay had countered the first attack secured a 2-0 lead. Morikawa begins the second period with a stepout. Step over defense from Morikawa to make it 9-2 before securing the fall with 1:46 left on the clock.

12:41: MANISHA (IND) muscles her way into the 62kg semifinals with a victory by fall over Hanbit LEE (KOR). As she receives an activity point, Manisha uses double underhooks on the mat to leverage Lee over and gains the fall in 2:25.

12:38: Kalmira BILIMBEK KYZY (KGZ) explodes for nine points in the second period to notch a 10-4 victory over Miyasar KUSHMURATOVA (UZB) and advance to the 62kg semifinals

12:36: Nonoka OZAKI (JPN) gets over a major hurdle in her quest for a third Asian gold when she grinds out a 4-1 victory over Lili LILI (CHN) to make the 62kg semifinals. Ozaki gets an activity point in the first period and early in the second to lead 2-0. She gets in on a single-leg and gets the leg into the air, only for Lili to mule-kick her way out of the predicament. Lili receives an activity point, adding to the tension as the clock ticks down. With :10 left, Lili attempts a last-ditch front headlock roll, but Ozaki stuffs it for a final 2.

12:33: Sara NATAMI (JPN) puts on a technical masterclass of takedowns and wins 11-0 against Bolortuya KHURELKHUU (MGL) to enter 57kg semifinals.

12:27: Moe KIYOOKA (JPN), last year's world and Asian champion at 55kg who has moved down to 53kg, puts on a takedown clinic in cruising to a 10-0 victory over Meng Hsuan HSIEH (TPE). She topped off her fourth takedown with a quick lace lock to end the match in 1:58.

12:25: Youngjin KWON (KOR) did not let Danielle LIM (SGP) from the headlock and secures the fall after a 7-0 lead to advance to the 57kg semifinals.

12:24: Shakhzoda ALLANIYAZOVA (UZB) loses a challenge for a counter to a counter-lift by Maysa YUSUPJANOVA (TKM) that would have ended the match on a technical fall, but goes on to pancake her opponent to mat and score an actual fall to advance to the 65kg semifinals. 

12:21: Hyogyong CHOE (PRK) needs just 46 seconds to get a takedown against Zeinep BAYANOVA (KAZ), rip off four lace-lock rolls and secure her spot in the 53kg semifinals with a 10-0 win.

12:20: Bolortungalag ZORIGT (MGL) begins the 72kg quarterfinal with the typical Mongolian headlock throw for four against Yuqi LIU (CHN). Liu answers with a takedown but Zorigt leads 4-2. With just over a minute remaining, Liu gets Zorigt on her back to the mat and secures a fall and enter the semifinals.

12:20: Qi ZHANG (CHN) builds up a 7-2 lead in the first period against Asian U23 silver medalist Dilnaz SAZANOVA (KGZ). The two trade stepouts in the second period before Zhang adds a late takedown for a 10-3 win and a possible semifinal clash with Miwa MORIKAWA (JPN). 

12:12: Il Sim SON (PRK) is into the semifinals at 57kg with a victory by fall over Sezim ZHUMANAZAROVA (KGZ).

12:10: Four-time world medalist Zhamila BAKBERGENOVA (KAZ) begins her quest for a third Asian gold and sixth medal overall with a 10-0 victory over Sehee KIM (KOR) to advance to the semifinals at 72kg. After her third takedown, Bakbergenova rolls Kim twice to end the proceedings. 

12:08: Nonoka OZAKI (JPN), former Asian champion and Paris bronze medalist at 68kg, is back to 62kg. She had to make the desperate move to 68kg but losing the domestic qualifiers at 62kg in Japan. She defeated Ami ISHII (JPN) to get the spot at 68kg for Paris. She returned to 62kg at the Emperor's Cup and won the gold to qualify for Asian Championships. Up against Tserenchimed SUKHEE (MGL), Ozaki opens up a 4-0 lead before takedowns are exchanged and Ozaki leads 6-2 at the break. The second period starts with a single-leg attack from Ozaki for two. Sukhee is quick with her attacks as well but Ozaki resets and defends to score takedwon. Sukhee keeps shooting on the legs and score a stepout as Ozaki is feeling the heat of the weight cut. Another sweep single from Sukhee, Ozaki defends for a while but gives up another takedown as Sukhee cuts her lead to 10-5 with 25 seconds remaining. Sukhee attempts a big throw but Ozaki with a whizzer and secures a 12-5 win.

12:06: Masako FURUICHI (JPN), one of the few wrestlers on the planet who has completed the "Grand Slam" of all four world age-group titles, faces a rising star in her opening match at 72kg in Jyoti BERWAL (IND), the world U20 champion at 76kg. An actionless first period sees Berwal take a 1-0 lead into the second. It's more of the same, as Berwal gets an activity point, but gives up a penalty point. In the final 20 seconds, Furuichi comes to life and completes a single-leg takedown with :10 left for a 3-2 win. 

12:05: Asian U23 bronze medalist Svetlana OKNAZAROVA (UZB) is trailing 2-0 when she slams Nurzat NURTAEVA (KGZ) to her back for a fall at 72kg.  Nurtaeva was last year's Asian U23 champion at 68kg.

12:02: Meng Hsuan HSIEH (TPE), a silver medalist from 2021, with a buzzer-beating exposure to beat Shokhida AKHMEDOVA (UZB) at 53kg! Akhmedova was leading 5-3 but allowed Hsieh the leg attacks and while backtracking on her hips, there was exposure. Uzbekistan challenged but the decision was upheld as Hsieh won 6-5

11:57: Another historic first at these Asian Championships as Aylah MAYALI (PLE) becomes the first-ever female participant from Palestine when she faces Shakhzoda ALLANIYAZOVA (UZB) in a qualification-round match at 65kg. Allaniyazova opens the scoring with a double-leg takedown, then counters a Mayali shot to a stalemate. Allaniyazova adds another takedown at the edge to lead 4-0 at the break. In the second period, Allaniyazova gets a takedown and gut wrench, but Mayali reverses for her first points. In the end, the Uzbek proves too much and comes away with a 12-2 win, but not a bad effort for the debutante.

11:56: MANISHA (IND), last year's champion at 65kg, has dropped down to 62kg and starts strong with an 11-0 win over Asian U23 silver medalist.  Tynys DUBEK (KAZ).

11:49: Il Sim SON (PRK), looking to do her part for DPR Korea in the team standings, starts off with a nice fireman's carry and never lets off the gas in posting an 11-0 win over Pei Ying LIAO (TPE) at 57kg in just under two minutes.

11:50: Jordan had its first wrestler in women's wrestling at the senior Asian Championships on Thursday and today Balqis TAAIBIN (JOR) is the second. However, she cannot produce a win for the hosts as Jeongae BARK (KOR) beats her 12-2 at 65kg.

11:45: Gaukhar MUKATAY (KAZ) with a headlock to fall over Dieu Thuong LAI (VIE) at 65kg. Lai was leading 6-0 but Mukatay with a reversal to get the fall.

11:42: World U23 bronze medalist Neha SHARMA (IND) advances at 57kg with an 8-1 victory over Nilufar RAIMOVA (KAZ), a 2023 Asian bronze medalist.

11:39: Qi ZHANG (CHN), last year's champion and the 2023 world chamipion at 59kg, gets her campaign at 65kg started with lightning quick 10-0 rout of MONIKA (IND).

11:38: Bolortuya KHURELKHUU (MGL) only got going in the second but she did well and secured a fall over Thi Hien DANG (VIE) after building a 14-7 lead.

11:38: In the opening match on Mat B, Nethmi PORUTHOTAGE (SRI) seemed on the road to a rare victory for Sri Lanka, using an impressive double-leg takedown in taking leads of 6-0 and 8-4, only to get caught in a cradle by Youngjin KWON (KOR) and lose by fall at 57kg.