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Russian Women Win Team Title on Back of Four Individual Gold Medalists

Friday, February 14, 2020 - 21:09 By Eric Olanowski

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ROME, Italy (February 13) --- Natalia VOROBEVA (RUS) stuck Maria SELMAIER (GER) in the short-lived 72kg finals and closed out the Russian Federation’s run to the team title with a fourth women’s wrestling gold medal. 

Vorobeva, the reigning world champion at 72kg, joined fellow Russians Olga KHOROSHAVTSEVA (RUS), Khanum VELIEVA (RUS) and Ekaterina BUKINA (RUS) atop the continental podium after her win via fall on Friday night.  

Russia (190 points) won the women’s wrestling team title 35 points ahead of the defending champions, Ukraine (155 points). Belarus rounded out the top-three in the women's race with 97 points.

Vorobeva, Russia's women's captain, said being cool and confident helped them win the team title. "The team was so successful because our girls are really cool. They started to believe in themselves. In general, our team is very cool, friendly, strong and ready to win."

Vorobeva sealed up Russia’s fourth gold of the tournament with a fall in 85 seconds of the opening period against Selmaier and won her third European title. After securing the fall, the two-time world champion said, "Yesterday, I couldn’t pin my rival, so today I was a bit unsure that I could keep her pinned. The position was a bit uncomfortable, but when I caught her head, I was sure it was gonna work." 

She’ll now move up to the Olympic weight of 76kg for a run at a potential third Olympic medal. She won gold in London and silver in Rio.

Vorobeva’s move leaves the Russian coaching staff with a tough decision to make before the European Qualifier. Do they stick with Bukina who just won the 76kg title, or do they go with Vorobeva, who’ll be moving up from the non-Olympic weight of 72kg? 

On Thursday, Bukina was asked about where her European title win at 76kg puts her in the race to represent Russia at the Olympic Games. She said, “It depends on who will be in better shape. Right now, she is wrestling in the other weight category, but we will decide later when it’s closer to the Olympics. It’s too early to talk about it.”

When Vorobeva was asked about the log jam between herself and Bukina at 76kg, she said, "I gave Bukina this place and it's good for her that she used her chance. But if there is a need for me to wrestle at 76kg, we'll both go on the mat, wrestle and see who is the best."

Vanesa KALADZINSKAYA (BLR) won her second European title with a win over Jessica BLASZKA (NED)  (Photo: Gabor Martin)

World Champions Kazldzinskaya and Tkach Ostaphuk Win European Golds on Friday Night
World champions Vanesa KALADZINSKAYA (BLR) and Yuliia TKACH OSTAPCHUK (UKR) added European titles to their resumes with wins on Friday night in Rome. 

Kaladzinskaya, a two-time world champion, denied Jessica BLASZKA (NED) the opportunity to become the Netherlands’ first-ever women’s wrestling European champion and now owns as many European titles as world golds. "I think that when something happens once, it might not happen again. If something happens twice, it means that it would happen for the third time as well," Kaladzinskaya said about evening her world and continental gold medal count.

Yuliia TKACH OSTAPCHUK (UKR) edged fellow world champion Inna TRAZHUKOVA (RUS) in the 62kg finals and won her fourth European gold medal. (Photo: Gabor Martin)

Tkach Ostaphuk won the low-scoring battle against fellow world champion Inna TRAZHUKOVA (RUS) and claimed her fourth European title. "It was the final match for the gold medal and any mistake could have been fatal. I had to wrestle well to achieve success," said Tkach Ostaphuk. 

In the 62kg finals, she trailed 1-0, but after a pair of second-period inactivity points, Tkach Ostaphuk handed Ukraine their lone women’s wrestling title of the tournament.

"I knew it would be difficult. It’s not the first year we've been wrestling together. We know each other very well and it's difficult to wrestle when you have known your rival for a long time," said Tkach Ostaphuk.  "I think the luckiest one has won tonight. Well, actually, the one who was stronger won tonight."

After stepping off the podium, Tkach Ostaphuk was asked what it feels like to hold her fourth European gold medal. She said, "I am so happy because it’s my 30’th birthday this year, and it feels like I have already been an athlete for a century. It’s a pleasure to win and to prove that I am the best in this weight category."

Tkach Ostaphuk will travel back to Ukraine to train before heading to Budapest, Hungary, to try to qualify for the Tokyo Olympic Games. In order to earn a berth to the Olympic Games, Tkach Ostaphuk said she needs to enjoy the moment. "I just need to step on the mat, wrestle and enjoy it. I hope I will be able to qualify for the Olympics, those will be my 4th Olympic Games, I would finally like to win a medal so that my sporting career will have a nice ending." 

Grace BULLEN (NOR) is the first women's wrestler from Norway to win two European titles. (Photo: Kadir Caliskan)

Bullen First Norwegian Woman to win Two European Titles 
Grace BULLEN (NOR) became the first Norwegian woman to win two European titles after bulldozing Alina AKOBIIA (UKR) in the 57kg finals. “It’s awesome. I like that I can make history and make the path for younger generation wrestlers in Norway,” Bullen said about her history-making performance.  

Bullen stopped five Ukrainian shots in the opening period and capitalized on the fifth defensive stop with a counter-offensive takedown. She transitioned into a gut wrench, and after trailing 1-0 for nearly the entire first period, she ended up leading by three points.

The second period was a somewhat dull one. Bullen stopped Akobiia’s high crotch attempt and tossed her to her back with a whip over. She held her Ukrainian opponent on her back for the final two minutes of the period and claimed the gold medal with the 6-1 victory.

Bullen knew it was risky to try to adjust her grip, so she stayed put and watched the clock expire. “I was thinking about controlling (the fall). My grip could easily fall out and we’d probably have to go (on our feet) again.” And she didn't want that, She’d rather play it safe. “Just knowing you can count down to a win is a good thing, and it’s safe that way. I’d rather be safe than sorry.” 

Bullen plans to wrestle at the European qualifier in March then hopefully to the Tokyo Olympic Games later this year. And to do that, Bullen said it needs to be herself. “First of all, I have to get to the Olympics. To do that, I have to be myself. I want to impress people with my wrestling and make it interesting for people to watch. If I do that, I’ll win matches, and I’ll get there.”

Mimi HRISTOVA (BUL) stopped Elis MANOLOVA (AZE) from repeating as European champion. (Photo: Gabor Martin)

Hristova Stops Manolova from Repeating as European Champion
Defending European champions had a difficult night on Thursday, going 0-3 in gold-medal matches. On Friday, their luck was eerily similar, as Mimi HRISTOVA (BUL) stopped Elis MANOLOVA (AZE) from defending her European crown from 2019. 

Hristova and Manolva combined to score three points in the first five and a half minutes of the bout, but a late scramble that ended in an awkward flurry lit the score up with six additional points. Hristova went from leading 2-1 to ending the match with Manolva on her back while controlling the 6-3 advantage. 

The European Championships resume tomorrow at 11:30 (local time) and can be followed live on www.unitedworldwrestling.org. 

RESULTS 
53kg 
GOLD - Vanesa KALADZINSKAYA (BLR) df. Jessica BLASZKA (NED), 3-1 
BRONZE - Annika WENDLE (GER) df. Suzanna Georgiana SEICARIU (ROU), via fall 
BRONZE - Stalvira ORSHUSH (RUS) df. Katarzyna KRAWCZYK (POL), 6-0 

57kg
GOLD - Grace Jacob BULLEN (NOR) vs. Alina AKOBIIA (UKR), 6-1
BRONZE - Sara Johanna LINDBORG (SWE) df. Marina SIMONYAN (RUS), 7 - 4
BRONZE - Iryna KURACHKINA (BLR) df. Alyona KOLESNIK (AZE), 4-1 

62kg 
GOLD - Yuliia TKACH OSTAPCHUK (UKR) df. Inna TRAZHUKOVA (RUS), 2-1 
BRONZE - Taybe Mustafa YUSEIN (BUL) df. Mariana CHERDIVARA ESANU (MDA), 12 - 0
BRONZE - Tetiana OMELCHENKO (AZE) df. Veranika IVANOVA (BLR), 4-0

65kg 
GOLD - Mimi Nikolova HRISTOVA (BUL) df. Elis MANOLOVA (AZE), 6-3 
BRONZE - Iryna KOLIADENKO (UKR) df. Kriszta Tunde INCZE (ROU), 8-0 
BRONZE - Mariia KUZNETSOVA (RUS) df. Petra Maarit OLLI (FIN), 8-4

72kg 
GOLD - Natalia VOROBEVA (RUS) df. Maria SELMAIER (GER), via fall 
BRONZE - Catalina AXENTE (ROU) df. Enrica RINALDI (ITA), 5-1 
BRONZE - Alina BEREZHNA STADNIK MAKHYNIA (UKR) df. Merve PUL (TUR), via fall 

#WrestleZagreb

World Championships 2025 FS 57kg, 74kg, 79kg, 92kg Highlights

Sunday, September 14, 2025 - 08:42 By Ken Marantz & Vinay Siwach

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ZAGREB, Croatia (September 14) -- World Championships enters day with Freestyle continuing in 57kg, 74kg, 79kg and 125kg.

WATCH LIVE | LIVE MATCH ORDER | DAY 1 REPORT

READ THE SEMIFINAL REPORT HERE

74kg semifinal

SF 1: Chermen VALIEV (ALB) vs Zaurbek SIDAKOV (UWW)
SF 2: Kota TAKAHASHI (JPN) vs. Taimuraz SALKAZANOV (SVK)

15:17: For much of his 74kg quarterfinal with David CARR (USA), Chermen VALIEV (ALB) was the second-best wrestler on the mat. He falls behind 5-1, and in the second period, Carr is in deep on a single and looking to pad his lead. But Valiev, an Olympic bronze medalist, twists Carr over for a 2-point exposure. Then he amazingly goes ahead on criteria with a takedown with :46 left. In his desperation to score, Carr allows Valiev to get behind, and Valiev scores a stepout with a fleeing point tacked on to go ahead 7-5. He then fends off Carr's attack to secure a hard-fought win.

15:15: Kota TAKAHASHI (JPN) builds a 4-0 lead over Yones EMAMI (IRI) at the break with two takedowns. But Emami fires back with a takedown and turn for a 4-4 criteria lead. Takahashi blocks him and cradles for two points. He then adds a takedown when a squared but Emami stands tall and leads 8-4. A stepout is confirmed to make it 9-4. Takahashi keeps the pressure and Emami gives up a takedown on the edge. Takahashi, leading 11-4, keeps his distance from Emami and wins 11-4.

15:14: Taimuraz SALKAZANOV (SVK) leads 3-0 Magomedrasul ASLUEV (BRN) with a point and takedown. He then adds another point for activity in the second period to make it 4-0. A takedown in the final 30 seconds swells his lead to 6-0, the winning score.

15:13: Zaurbek SIDAKOV (UWW) stays on track to a fourth world gold with a workmanlike 5-1 win over Murad KURAMAGOMEDOV (HUN) to advance to the 74kg semifinals. Sidakov uses his deep single to great effect, scoring a takedown in each period. All of the other points came on the activity clock.

92kg semifinals

SF 1: Trent HIDLAY (USA) vs Osman NURMAGOMEDOV (AZE)
SF 2:  Amanula GADZHIMAGOMEDOV (UWW) vs. Amirhossein FIROUZPOUR (IRI)

15:03: Trent HIDLAY (USA) brings his best underhook game and scores at will against Miriani MAISURADZE (GEO). He wins 6-1 and heads to the semifinals of the World Championships.

15:03: Amirhossein FIROUZPOUR (IRI) is nursing a 1-0 lead in the second period when, with Batyrbek TSAKULOV (SVK) on the clock, he scores a takedown at the edge. As he gets the activity point, he quickly adds a stepout, which gives him the buffer he needs when Tsakulov comes to life and scores a takedown. Firouzpour adds a late takedown off a desperation attempt Tsakulov and he's into the 92kg semifinals with a 7-2 win.

15:02: Kamil KURUGLIYEV (KAZ) cannot match the strength of Amanula GADZHIMAGOMEDOV (UWW) at 92kg he drops his quarterfinal against 9-0.

14:56: Osman NURMAGOMEDOV (AZE) earns his place in the 92kg quarterfinals when his opponent Dauren KURUGLIEV (GRE) has to default midway through the first period with a left knee injury. Nurmagomedov got in on a low single, and Kurugliev immediately signaled the injury to his knee, which was heavily taped to begin with.

79kg semifinals

SF 1: Mohammad NOKHODI (IRI) vs. Georgios KOUGIOUMTSIDIS (GRE)
SF 2: Levi HAINES (USA) vs. Suldkhuu OLONBAYAR (MGL)

14:50: Levi HAINES (USA) had the crowd on his side as he desperately tried to get through the stalling defenses of Akhmed USMANOV (UWW) as he attempted to preserve a 2-0 lead, with both of his points coming off the activity clock. The American's efforts paid off just in time -- he scored a takedown at the edge with 1.9 seconds left. An unsuccessful challenge gave him a 3-2 win and a place in the 79kg quarterfinals.

14:46: Suldkhuu OLONBAYAR (MGL) with some impeccable defense in the quarterfinal against Zelimkhan KHADJIEV (FRA) as he wins 3-0 to book a spot in the semifinals at 79kg.

14:45: Georgios KOUGIOUMTSIDIS (GRE) gives absolutely no chance to Dzhabrail GADZHIEV (AZE) in the quarterfinal at 74kg and wins his bout 6-0 to advance to the semifinals.

14:45: Mohammad NOKHODI (IRI) won the battle of activity points with Vasyl MYKHAILOV (UKR), getting two to his opponent's one for a 2-1 victory at 79kg. Mykhailov was down 2-0 when he received an activity point to cut the gap. He also launched the lone true attack of the match, but Nokhodi managed to force it to a stalemate.

57kg Semifinals

SF 1: Arsen HARUTYUNYAN (ARM) vs Chongsong HAN (PRK)
SF 2: Gulomjon ABDULLAEV (UZB) vs Bekzat ALMAZ UULU (KGZ)

14:36: Chongsong HAN (PRK) took a 4-0 lead and seemed to be cruising to a victory over Roman BRAVO YOUNG (MEX) at 57kg, but seemed to suffer an injury that slowed him down. In the second period, Bravo Young received a fleeing point, then scored a late takedown to cut the gap to 4-3. But Han avoided being turned over to assure his place in the semifinals.

14:34: A close victory for Olympic bronze medalist Gulomjon ABDULLAEV (UZB) over Musa MEKHTIKHANOV (UWW) in the 57kg quarterfinals. Abdullaev built a 3-0 lead but gave a takedown in the second period as Mekhtikhanov made it 3-2. Mekhtikhanov challenged in the dying seconds for fleeing but there was none. Abdullaev moves into the semifinals with a 4-2 victory.

14:32: Arsen HARUTYUNYAN (ARM) bounces back after giving up the first point for passivity against Spencer LEE (USA) in the 57kg quarterfinals. He blocks a duck-under attempt and adds a stepout to lead 3-1. He then scores a takedown to make it 5-1 at the break. Harutyunyan with a cut-back to score four points before Lee counters with an exposure for two. Harutyunyan leads 9-3. The United States challenges the four points but it is upheld and challenge is lost. Harutyunyan leads 10-3. He adds a takedown to make it 12-5, lace turn for 14-3 and it's a win for Harutyunyan over Olympic silver medalist.

14:31: Bekzat ALMAZ UULU (KGZ) put on a second-period onslaught to storm into the 57kg semifinals with a 16-5 win over Vladimir EGOROV (MKD). Almaz Uulu led 5-5 on criteria going into the second period when he scored a stepout, then parlayed a takedown into four rolls and other exposures to end the match with :45 to spare.

Quarterfinals will begin at the same time.

14:10: Chermen VALIEV (ALB) posts a 12-2 victory over Ibragim VELIEV (BEL) in the 74kg pre-quarterfinals and he books a quarterfinal against David CARR (USA).

14:02: Kota TAKAHASHI (JPN) continues to make mincemeat of the competition, barging into the 74kg quarterfinals with his third straight technical fall of the day without giving up a point. He made Giorgi ELBAKIDZE (GEO) his latest victim, twice getting in on a double leg, then pressing ahead as the Georgian attempted a counter lift to complete the takedown -- then adding a gut wrench to boot. On the second combination in the second period, he added a second roll to finish the match 10-0.

13:55: Zaurbek SIDAKOV (UWW) completes a 5-0 win over Orozobek TOKTOMAMBETOV (KGZ) with two takedowns and moves into the quarterfinal at 74kg. He is joined by Taimuraz SALKAZANOV (SVK) who also wins 5-0 against Anthony MONTERO CHIRINOS (VEN).

13:54: Ramazan RAMAZANOV (BUL) just cannot keep up with the amazing speed of David CARR (USA), who zips his way to four takedowns in the first period by snatching a single leg or getting behind in a blink of an eye. He ends it with a low single less than a minute into the second period for a 10-0 win to advance to the 74kg quarterfinals.

13:43: Three-time Asian champion Amirhossein FIROUZPOUR (IRI) gets a pair of takedowns in the first period, then picks up some free points in the second to advance to the 92kg last-8 with a 7-0 victory over Ahmed BATAEV (BUL).

13:33: World silver medalist from 2023 Osman NURMAGOMEDOV (AZE) scores a takedown in the first period and leads 2-0 against Deepak PUNIA (IND) at the break. He is put on the activity clock in the second period. He gives up that point but still leads 2-1. An exchange leads to two points for both wrestlers, with Nurmagomedov still leading 4-3 with less than 30 seconds left. He defends his lead and wins 4-3 at 92kg.

13:32: Two more Americans advance to the quarterfinals with 10-0 victories in back-to-back matches on Mat C. Levi HAINES (USA) takes out Bumgae SEO (KOR) at 79kg, and Trent HIDLAY (USA) follows by whitewashing Samuel SCHERRER (SUI) at 92kg.

13:26: Mohammad NOKHODI (IRI), a four-time world medalist, launches his quest for a first gold by scoring a takedown in each period for a tame 4-0 victory over Michael LABRIOLA (PUR) to book his place in the 79kg quarterfinals.

13:22: Spencer LEE (USA), Paris Olympic silver medalist, with a leg-lace and wins his first bout at 57kg 10-0 against Yusuf DEMIR (TUR).

13:15: In a replay of the gold-medal match at the 2023 worlds, Akhmed USMANOV (UWW) holds on for a 4-1 victory over Vladimeri GAMKRELIDZE (GEO) to gain a spot in the 79kg quarterfinals.

13:11: Bekzat ALMAZ UULU (KGZ) proves too much for young Rin SAKAMOTO (JPN), pulling away in the second period to win 9-4 and advance to the 57kg quarterfinals. Almaz Uulu leads 3-2 in the second period when he gets a takedown and exposure to go up 7-2. Sakamoto gets behind for a takedown, but can't get the lace-lock going, then gives up a late desperation takedown.

13:00: Three-time world medalist Arsen HARUTYUNYAN (ARM) survives a grueling and thrilling test with Munkh Erdene BATKHUYAG (MGL), surging late then holding on for a 13-8 victory to make the 57kg quarterfinals. Harutyunyan trailed 5-2 in the second period when he put on a seven-point spree to go ahead. Batkhuyag wasn't done, getting a stepout, then stunning Harutyunyan with a quick takedown right off the whistle to make it 9-8. But the Armenian clinches the win with a takedown and roll in the final seconds.

13:00: Olympic bronze medalist Gulomjon ABDULLAEV (UZB) built a 3-0 lead and then held on to it. He gave up a point but still managed to win 4-1. A point for lost challenge from Aryan TSIUTRYN (UWW).

12:50: Roman BRAVO YOUNG (MEX) with a fall over Ali MOMENI (IRI) at 61kg. Excellent wrestling from Bravo Young as he builds a 6-0 lead and then keeps Momeni on the mat for a fall

12:45: 2024 world U23 champion Kota TAKAHASHI (JPN) continues to impress by driving to a 12-0 whitewash of Vitali IHNATOVICH (UWW) to advance at 74kg. Takahashi gets a takedown-roll combination for a 5-0 first-period lead, then repeats the process in the second, adding a second exposure.

12:45: European champion Chermen VALIEV (ALB) with a gut-wrench against Tugsjargal ERDENEBAT (MGL) and he wins 12-2 at 74kg. Valiev is looking for his first-ever world medal

12:44: Not much action, but neither was Tokyo Olympic champion Zaurbek SIDAKOV (UWW) in any real danger as he begins his bid for a fourth world title with a 5-1 victory over Turan BAYRAMOV (AZE) at 74kg. Sidakov picks up an activity point in the first period, then pads the lead with a stepout and activity point in the second before clinching the win with a takedown. He gives up a late fleeing point.

12:40: World silver medalist Taimuraz SALKAZANOV (SVK) with a 5-0 victory over Mohammad MOTTAGHINIA (ESP) at 74kg. Salkazanov is looking to add to his collection of world medals

12:36: David CARR (USA) spotted Rasul SHAPIEV (MKD) a quick four points in their 74kg encounter, but stormed back to keep the American record spotless on the day. Trailing 5-2 in the second period, Carr turned the tide with a 4-point double-leg takedown, which he topped off with a leg lace for a 9-5 win.

12:35: Deepak PUNIA (IND), who has been a long-time 86kg, is at 92kg for this season and won silver medal at the Asian Championships. He takes on Benjamin GREIL (AUT) in his first match in Zagreb. He builds a 3-0 lead at the break. Both trade stepouts in the second period before Punia scores a takedown for a 6-1 lead. Punia happy to hang on to his lead and advance at 92kg.

12:03: In a battle between two-time Asian bronze medalists, Takashi ISHIGURO (JPN), who watched his brother Hayato make the final at 86kg on Saturday, was dealt a tough 3-1 loss by Magomed SHARIPOV (BRN) at 92kg. Sharipov scored a first-period takedown before adding an activity point in the second period, when Ishiguro could only manage a stepout.

11:55: Three-time European silver medalist Zelimkhan KHADJIEV (FRA) needs less than a minute to build an eight-point lead on Patrik LEDER (CAN) at 79kg, opening with a 4-point takedown and adding two gut wrenches. It takes a little while, but he finishes it up in the first period with a stepout and an unsuccessful challenge.

11:54: Trent HIDLAY (USA), winner of the Budapest Ranking Series event, shows a nice mix of power and agility in storming to an 11-1 victory Redjep HAJDARI (MKD) at 92kg.

11:50: Two-time world bronze medalist Vasyl MYKHAILOV (UKR) is off to impressive start at 79kg, chalking up four takedowns in a 11-9 win over Alans AMIROVS (LAT).

11:41: Paris Olympic bronze medalist Gulomjon ABDULLAEV (UZB) is having trouble breaking down the defenses of Salah KATEB (ALG)  at 57kg, and is limited to a stepout in the final seconds of the first period for a 1-1 lead. In the second period, he loses a challenge over a potential stepout. But he quickly gets a stepout, with a fleeing point tacked on, then the dam breaks and he scores a takedown and launches a series of gut wrenches to win 12-2 in 4:10.

11:30: Georgios KOUGIOUMTSIDIS (GRE) begins his quest for a world medal at 79kg with a 10-0 win over Ryunosuke KAMIYA (JPN). The Greece wrestlers looks solid here.

11:25: Two-time European champion Akhmed USMANOV (UWW) forges out a 6-2 victory over Iakub SHIKHDZHAMALOV (ROU) to advance at 79kg as he looks to repeat his world title from 2023.

11:20: Thomas EPP (SUI) was caught in a fireman carry by Ali MOMENI (IRI) who packs him and smashes for five. Momeni wins 6-1 at 57kg.

11:11: Bekzat ALMAZ UULU (KGZ), who finished fifth at the Paris Olympics, proves too much for Garette SAUNDERS (CAN) to handle in their 57kg clash, scoring four takedowns en route to an 11-0 victory.

11:09: At 57kg, 2023 world bronze medalist Munkh Erdene BATKHUYAG (MGL) loses his balance while in on a single and European silver medalist Azamat TUSKAEV (SRB) turns into a 4-point takedown. But the Mongolian gradually cuts the gap and rallies to win 6-4.

11:07: Can Roman BRAVO YOUNG (MEX) earn the first-ever medal for Mexico at the World Championships? He begins his quest with a 10-0 technical superiority win over Niklas STECHELE (GER) at 57kg

11:02: Asian champion Chongsong HAN (PRK) gets thing started in his 57kg opener against Darian CRUZ (PUR) with a nifty 4-point arm throw, then locks the thighs around his head and rolls for another 2. Han adds a takedown and he's through with an 8-0 win.

11:02: Arsen HARUTYUNYAN (ARM) begins with a 10-0 technical superiority win over Vladyslav ABRAMOV (UKR) at 57kg. His lace is lethal.

11:00: Kota TAKAHASHI (JPN), who won the 74kg gold medal at the Budapest Ranking Series, completes a first-period technical superiority over Ok Chol HAN (PRK). Takahashi built a 5-0 lead with early bursts of takedown. He made it 9-0 with another takedown and lace. A stepout finishes off things 10-0.

10:50: In a major matchup in the 70kg repechage between multi-world medalists, Ernazar AKMATALIEV (KGZ) will get a chance to add to his collection when he broke open a close match with a series of gut wrenches to oust Iszmail MUSZUKAJEV (HUN) 14-4. Akmataliev was losing on criteria when he got 2 with a front body lock roll, then transititioned behind and hit the gut wrenches before Muszukajev knew what hit him.

10:30: We will continue Freestyle action at the World Championships in 57kg, 74kg, 79kg and 92kg. Here is the preview for the same.