Weekly FIVE! October 22, 2019

Tuesday, October 22, 2019 - 13:23 By Eric Olanowski

Reviewing the U23 World Championships which start next Monday and Yanan SUN'S quest for Olympic Gold. Also looking at results from the World Military Games, Akhmad Kadyrov Cup and much more.

1. U23 World Championships Less Than a Week Away
The U23 World Championships begin next Monday (October 28) in Budapest, Hungary, and 35 of the 631 registered athletes are returning U23 world medalists -- including ten reigning champions.

Greco-Roman will house five of the ten returning gold medalists. There will be three freestyle wrestlers who’ll look to defend their titles, and a pair of women’s wrestling champs from a year ago.

Nugzari TSURTSUMIA (GEO), who last month reached the top of the senior world podium in Nur-Sultan, headlines the lengthy list of returning Greco-Roman U23 world gold medalists. His fellow compatriot, Zviadi PATARIDZE (GEO), will look to defend his U23 world title from a year ago. The Georgian big man is chasing his seventh age-group world title.

Mohamed ELSAYED (EGY) and Katsuaki ENDO (JPN) are both entered at 67kg, which could set up a colossal matchup of returning U23 gold-medal winners from last season. El Sayed is coming off a fifth-place finish in Nur-Sultan, where he qualified Egypt for the 2020 Olympic Games at 67kg.

The fifth and final Greco-Roman champ from a year ago is Semen NOVIKOV (UKR). He’s entered at 87kg.

Freestyle’s three 2018 gold-medal winners are Taimuraz SALKAZANOV (SVK), Kamran GHASEMPOUR (IRI) and Shamil ZUBAIROV (AZE). They'll compete at 74kg, 86kg and 92kg, respectively.

Japan's Saki IGARASHI (55kg) and China's Paliha PALIHA (76kg) are the two women’s wrestlers who are on a quest to repeat as U23 world champions. Marina SEDNEVA (KAZ) and Andreea ANA (ROU), who finished with bronze medals at the 2018 U23 World Championships, will join Igarashi in the 55kg bracket, while Paliha is the lone returning medalist entered at 76kg.

The full list of the 631 wrestlers will be released this week on www.unitedworldwrestling.org.

2. Rising Sun: Chinese Star Aims for Olympic Glory in Land of Top Rivals
Once SUN Yanan (CHN) made the bold decision at 15 to leave home for the unknown to pursue a wrestling career, she knew there was no turning back.

"At the beginning, I told myself I needed to be independent because I already left home," she recalls. "I cannot go back. If I go back, it would be shameful."

Sun has never looked back and, despite her late start in the sport, has forged a solid career that includes a world gold medal, an Olympic bronze and numerous other laurels. After a setback at the recent World Championships, the 27-year-old has her sights set firmly on the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

"Step by step, I felt I really enjoyed wrestling and it already became part of my life," Sun says of her development in the sport. "And I wanted to realize my dream to be more confident and become a perfect lady because of wrestling. I really grew up."

The 27-year-old Sun speaks easily and openly through an interpreter during an interview at last week's Tokyo 2020 test event, a women's tournament in the six Olympic weights. While Sun attended with the Chinese team but did not take part, the trip gave her a first glimpse of the Olympic venue, located in the Makuhari Messe convention center in neighboring Chiba city.

"I'm very excited when I imagine that next year maybe I will compete here at the Olympics," she says. "I hope I can be much stronger and show my best next year."

Sun secured a spot for China at 50kg by placing fifth at the World Championships in the Kazakh capital of Nur-Sultan last month. Although she finished out of the medals, she showed she could still be a factor in the weight class.

Click HERE to read Ken Marantz’s full feature on Yanan SUN (CHN).

Gadzhimurad RASHIDOV (RUS) was one of three Russian wrestlers who won a World Military Games gold medal. (Photo: Kadir Caliskan)

3. Russia Opens Up World Military Games with Three Freestyle Golds
Russia kicked off the 7th CISM World Military Games in Wuhan, China, by going three-for-three in gold-medal matches, while The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s Gwang un PAK (57kg) won the fourth Day 1 gold medal. Taha AKGUL (TUR) and Hossein MOHAMMADIAN (IRI) claimed the remaining pair of freestyle gold medals, which came on the second day of wrestling in China.

The three Russian champions were headlined by the 65kg reigning world champion, Gadzhimurad RASHIDOV (RUS). His fellow Russian compatriots who also won gold at the World Military Games were Khetik TSABALOV (RUS) and Artur NAIFONOV (RUS). Those two won the 74kg and 86kg titles, respectively.

Rashidov, the now-three-time world finalist, outscored his four opponents 41-0 en route to his first World Military Games title. That 41-0 mark includes a 10-0 win over Vasyl SHUPTAR (UKR) in the 65kg finals. In addition to his 10-0 win over Shuptar in the finals, Rashidov also grabbed technical superiority victories over Gerchek HEMRAYEV (TKM), TIAN Zhenguang (CHN) and Bavyrzhan TOREBEK (KAZ).

Tsavolov, a 2014 world champion and 2017 world silver medalist, took down Nurkoza KAIPANOV (KAZ), 12-0, in the 74kg finals. Artur Naifonov, a 2019 world bronze medalist, defeated Ahmed DUDAROV (GER), 10-0, in the finals at 86kg.

Gwang un Pak, who hung on to defeat Andrei DUKOV (ROU), 2-2, was awarded the fourth opening day gold medal.

On the second day of wrestling, Turkey’s Rio Olympic champion Taha Akgul blanked Yadollah MOHEBI (IRI), 3-0, in the 125kg finals and Iran's Hossein Mohammadian defeated Aliaksandr HUSHTYN (BLR), 3-1, to claim gold at 97kg.

Click here for full results from the 7th CISM World Military Games.

Freestyle
57kg – Gwang un PAK (PRK) df. Andrei DUKOV (ROU), 2-2
65kg – Gadzhimurad RASHIDOV (RUS) df. Vasyl SUPTAR (UKR), 10-0
74kg – Khetik TSABALOV (RUS) df. Nurkoza KAIPANOV (KAZ), 12-0
86kg – Artur NAIFONOV (RUS) df. Ahmed DUDAROV (GER), 10-0
97kg – Hossein MOHAMMADIAN (IRI) df. Aliaksandr HUSHTYN (BLR), 3-1
125kg – Taha AKGUL (TUR) df. Yadollah MOHEBI (IRI), 3-0

Two-time world champion Magomedrasul GAZIMAGOMEDOV (RUS) grabbed the 74kg gold medal at the Akhmad Kadyrov Cup. (Photo: Sachiko Hotaka)

4. Gazimagomedov Grabs 74kg Gold at Akhmad Kadyrov Cup; Olympic Champ Ramonov Returns
Chechnya’s capital city of Grozny hosted the Akhmad Kadyrov Cup last weekend, and two-time world champion Magomedrasul GAZIMAGOMEDOV (RUS) highlighted the list of ten Russian winners.

Gazimagomedov, up from his Budapest world-title winning weight of 70kg, won his first 74kg competition after a third-place finish at July’s Russian National Championships. His win in the finals came over Musa BAZIEV (RUS).

Another notable champion was Akhmed CHAKAEV (RUS). The two-time world bronze medalist won his third consecutive Akhmad Kadyrov Cup with a win over Muslim SAJDULAEV (RUS) in the 65kg finals.

Outside of the champions, Rio Olympic gold medalist Soslan RAMONOV (RUS) returned to the mat after a 13-month layoff. He was recovering from back surgery. Ramonov finished in second place at 70kg, dropping his finals match to Rasul ARSANALIEV (RUS). After his runner-up finish, Ramonov took to his social media account to announce that he’ll be heading back down to his Olympic gold-winning weight of 65kg for this weekend's Vladimir Semenov Memorial -- which takes place in Nefteyugansk, Russia.

In that post, Ramonov roughly said, “After a year's pause, the first start, yesterday I enjoyed the fights. Today I was completely empty! Unfortunately, my body was not ready to go through the whole tournament...but this is all fixable. I will work even more. The next competition is in a week, at 65kg in the city of Nefteyugansk."

RESULTS
57kg - Muslim SADULAEV (RUS) df. Abubakar MUTALIEV (RUS)
61kg - Zelimkhan ABAKAROV (RUS) df. Muslim MEHTIKHANOV (RUS)
65kg - Akhmed CHAKAEV (RUS) df. Muslim SAJDULAEV (RUS)
70kg - Rasul ARSANALIEV (RUS) df. Soslan RAMONOV (RUS)
74kg - Magomedrasul GAZIMAGOMEDOV (RUS) df. Musa BAZIEV (RUS)
79kg - Kahaber HUBEZHTY (RUS) df. Adam KHASIEV (RUS)
86kg - Muslim DADAEV (RUS) df. Dzhabrail SHAPIEV (UZB)
92kg - Anzor URISHEV (RUS) df. George RUBAEV (MDA)
97kg - Alikhan ZHABRAILOV (RUS) df. Tamerlan RASUEV (RUS)
125kg - Batradz GAZZAYEV (RUS) df. Baldan TSYZYPOV (RUS)

Haji ALIYEV (AZE), a three-time world champion, will have to travel to the European Olympic Qualifier to lock up Azerbaijan's spot at the Toyko Olympic Games. (Photo: Tony Rotundo)

5. European Olympic Qualifier: Who Hasn't Qualified at 65kg
The first six Olympic berths at each weight were claimed at the Nur-Sultan World Championships, and countless world medalists still have a lot of work to do to get their nation’s spot locked up for next August’s Tokyo Olympic Games. In particular, two of Europe’s best 65kg wrestlers are still in jeopardy of missing the Olympic Games, but still have two shots at locking up their nation’s spot.

At 65kg, there are only two continents who have qualified spots for the Olympics. Those continents are Asia and Europe. Asian nations have four wrestlers, while European countries have two wrestlers. But missing out of those European qualifiers are two of the best wrestlers in the world at the weight, Haji ALIYEV (AZE) and Vladimer KHINCHEGASHVILI (GEO).

Aliyev, a three-time world champion, failed to qualify Azerbaijan for the Olympics at 65kg. The Rio Olympic bronze medalist dropped his opening round match at the World Championships to eventual world champion Gadzhimurad RASHIDOV (RUS). Then, Aliyev scored a 10-1 win over Reda HUSSEN (EGY) in his first repechage match but fell to 2018 world champion Takuto OTOGURO (JPN) in a heartbreaking 11-9 match. He was knocked out of the tournament after his second loss and finished in 12th place.

Khinchegashvili, a Rio Olympic champion and London silver medalist, also failed to qualify his nation for the Toyko Olympic Games. The Georgian opened up his 2019 World Championships campaign with a 4-0 win over YUN Junsik (KOR) but lost 5-1 in his next match to eventual bronze medalist Iszmail MUSZUKAJEV (HUN). The Hungarian dropped a 3-2 nail biter against Rashidov -- knocking Khinchegashvili out of the tournament with a 22nd-place finish.

The pair will have to travel to the European Olympic Qualifier in Budapest, Hungary (March 19 – 22) and finish top-two to qualify Azerbaijan and Georgia for the Olympic Games at 65kg. If they fail to make the finals in Budapest, their last opportunity will be the World Olympic Qualifier in Sofia, Bulgaria (April 30 – May 03).

Qualified Nation – Qualifying Wrestler
RUS via Gadzhimurad RASHIDOV (Europe)
KAZ via Daulet NIYAZBEKOV (Asia)
IND via Bajrang BAJRANG (Asia)
HUN via Iszmail MUSZUKAJEV (Europe)
JPN via Takuto OTOGURO (Asia)
MGL via Tulga TUMUR OCHIR (Asia)

Weekly FIVE! In Social Media

1. Big Move Monday -- Sahakyan G. (POL) @gevorguww -- Senior Worlds 2019
2. The largest Referee and Coaches course ... EVER! More than 300 participants in Wuhan, China delivered by Ibrahim CICIOGLU (TUR).
3. #ScoreThat - Who came out on top of this exchange? Was it blue (@lorincztomi12) or red (@alexkessidis)?
4. Which World Champion becomes Olympic Champion?
5. Happy Friday, Wrestling Fans!

#WrestleSamokov

Onishi, Blaze reach final at U20 World Championships

Tuesday, August 19, 2025 - 06:38 By Vinay Siwach

SAMOKOV, Bulgaria (August 18) -- Japan and India emerged as the two countries with two finalists each in Women's Wrestling at the World U20 Championships in Samokov, Bulgaria on Tuesday.

Defending champion Sakura ONISHI (JPN) will look to become a two-time world U20 champion after she reached the 59kg final and 2023 world U20 champion Ray HOSHINO (JPN) made it to the 68kg final.

India had two wrestlers in action and both made the final. TAPSYA (IND) shocked returning champion Sowaka UCHIDA (JPN) at 57kg while returning bronze medalist SRISHTI (IND) made it to the final after beating Laura KOEHLER (GER).

Onishi, a senior Asian champion, completed his third technical superiority of the day as she defeated Aubre KRAZER (USA), 10-0, in the semifinals. Onishi used a leg lace to lead 8-0 before an exposure finished the bout 10-0.

For the gold medal, she will face Karin SAMUELSSON (SWE) who earned the chance at the expense of European U20 and U23 champion Hiunai HURBANOVA (AZE), who was handed her first defeat of the year.

Samuelsson needed a challenge and some extra-ordinary defense in the final 10 seconds to win the bout 8-7 against Hurbanova. The match hung in balance when Samuelson had a 6-5 lead but Hurbanov managed to hit a leg-attack score a takedown. As Samuelson tried to attack, Hurbanova pulled the Sweden wrestler's hair and was cautioned after a challenge, giving a 7-7 criteria lead to Samuelson.

Hurbanova bodylocked Samuelson in the final seven seconds and tried to drive her out but Samuelson stood taller on her toes to overpower that attempt and win. Azerbaijan challenged but it was for no gain.

Another Nordic country made history as Norway got a finalist in Women's Wrestling. Felicitas DOMAJEVA (NOR) rallied to beat Anna STRATAN (KAZ), 12-2, and became the first Norway wrestler to enter the World U20 Championships final in Women's Wrestling in 15 years.

She will now try to become the first world U20 champion from Norway in 37 years on Wednesday when she faces Tapsya in the final after the Indian defeated Uchida in the semifinal 4-3 with a takedown in the final 10 seconds.

Uchida had a 3-2 lead with a takedown in the second period but struggled with injury in her ankle and needed medical timeout with 15 seconds left in the match. Tapysa waited for the final five seconds before she went for the far and cradled Uchida for two points as time finished and she won 4-3.

At 68kg, Hoshino was in trouble in her semifinal, falling behind 5-0 at the break against Odzaya ERDENEBAT (MGL) but she scored a quick takedown to cut it to 5-2. Another takedown later, she used the arm-bar to pin Erdenebat and win the semifinal.

Srishti scored a huge four-pointer in her semifinal against Kuehler and three setpout to complete a 7-3 win and set up a clash with Hoshino.

U.S. gets 2 more finalists

The United States had two more finalists in Freestyle as returning bronze medalist Marcus BLAZE (USA) and Maxwell MCENELLY (USA) won their respective semifinals at 61kg and 86kg respectively.

In the 61kg semifinals, Blaze rolled to a 15-4 technical superiority against Magomedkhan MAGAMEDKHANOV (UWW). The match began with Magamedkhanov chestwrap for two but Blaze planted him for two as well to take criteria lead.

The bout then turned one-sided as Blaze scored a takedown and Magamedkhanov was cautioned for locking hands with Blaze. The bout began in par terre with Blaze leading 5-2. Blaze scored four points by turning Magamedkhanov twice before a lost challenge added one more point to his score for a 10-2 lead at the break.

Blaze got another takedown when Magamedkhanov missed a shot and then a turn finished the bout 15-4.

The 2023 world U17 champion Blaze will now take on another former world U17 champion in Ahora KHATERI (IRI) who wrestled an almost perfect semifinal against Adlan SAITIEV (UWW), winning 3-1.

Saitiev opened the scoring when he was given a point for Khateri's passivity. But the Iranian scored a takedown and then was given a point for Saitiev's passivity in the second period.

At 86kg, Mcenelly needed a late takedown to overcome senior Asian champion Abolfazl RAHMANI (IRI) and earn himself a chance to win gold medal. Rahmani was slow to pick up pace in the match and Mcenelly built a 3-1 lead.

But Rahmani did show more speed in the second period and he scored a takedown using a beautiful duck under to lead 3-3 on criteria. A stepout made it 4-3 for Rahmani.

With 30-seconds left on the clock, Rahmani planted one foot in the center with no position and Mcenelly pounced on him in a split second scoring a takedown after some effort and led 5-4.
Rahmani got a point for Mcenelly's fleeing but kept the criteria for a 5-5 win. He will now try to beat Bozigit ISLAMGEREEV (UWW) who defeated Ahmet YAGAN (TUR), 5-1, to enter the final.

The morning session updates follow

14:00: 2023 world U20 champion Ray HOSHINO (JPN) with a 12-2 win over Oleksandra RYBAK (UKR) at 68kg and then defending 59kg champion Sakura ONISHI (JPN) completes a 10-0 win over Yifan ZHU (CHN) to enter the semifinal at 59kg.

13:54: No problems for Sowaka UCHIDA (JPN) as she sees off ALIMOVA (LTU) 10-0 and reaches the semifinal at 57kg against TAPSYA (IND). In the other semifinal, European U20 champion Felicitas DOMAJEVA (NOR) will take on Anna STRATAN (KAZ), a former world U17 bronze medalist

13:45: Abolfazl RAHMANI (IRI) with a fall over Mohammad UMKHADJIEV (FRA) at 86kg and moves into the semifinal. He is looking to upgrade his bronze medal from 2024.

13:40: Ahora KHATERI (IRI) gave up four stepouts and was cautioned once as Allan ORALBEK (KAZ) led 5-0. One stepout for Khateri before the break to make it 5-1. The second period is better for Khateri who begins with a takedown to cut the lead to 5-3. A point for passivity from Oralbek make it 5-4. Khateri with a leg attack and drives Oralbek out with takedown and scores two points to lead 6-5 and win the bout.

13:32: Marcus BLAZE (USA) is on a different level than the field at 61kg in Samokov. He gets his positions, waits for other wrestlers move and then launches his own. That's what Asian U20 champion Askat TOKTOMATOV (KGZ) got in the 61kg quarterfinals. Blaze got the point for passivity first and then an ankle pick and turn made it 5-0. In the second period, Blaze waited for almost two minutes but got a cradle and then a turn to make it 9-0. A reversal point for Toktomatov but Blaze finishes with a takedown and wins 11-1.

13:22: Hiunai HURBANOVA (AZE), European U20 champion and unbeaten this year, gets an easy 6-0 win over Rahma BEDIWY (EGY) and moves into the quarterfinals at 59kg.

13:18: Adlan SAITIEV (UWW) hangs on for a desperate 17-9 win at 61kg and makes the semifinals! Saitiev got good laces to lead 14-5 at the break against Ajay KAPADE (IND) who began with some good forward pressure in the second period and gets a takedown. Saitiev was struggling with conditioning but he scored one takedown in the second period as well the 9 point lead was too much to cover for Kapade.

13:10: A 27-second finish for defending champion at 59kg Sakura ONISHI (JPN). She leg laces Mariia MIZIURKO (UKR) to advance to the quarterfinals

12:57: 2023 world U20 champion Ray HOSHINO (JPN) overpowers Jordyn FOUSE (USA) in their 68kg bout and wins 13-2. Fouse failed to get past Hoshino in those scrambles.

12:55: Aubre KRAZER (USA) mounts a comeback after being 3-0 down against Erdenebolor LKHAGVASUREN (MGL) at 59kg and wins 10-3 and advance to the quarterfinals.

12:50: Defending 57kg champion Sowaka UCHIDA (JPN) looks so comfortable. She warms up with a 10-0 win over Anna KOEBLO (HUN)

12:45: That is history for Angola! Joseth MAVUNGU (ANG), the first-ever woman enter for a World Championships from the country, pulls off a fall over Ilinka STEFANOVA (BUL) in a back-and-forth bout at 68kg. First win at the world level for Angola in women's wrestling.

12:32: Odzaya ERDENEBAT (MGL) gets the fall over world U17 champion Wenjin QIU (CHN) at 68kg! Erdenbat reached the far leg of Qiu and picked her for four-points before finishing the bout 11-0 and advance

12:15: In a rematch of the European U20 final at 57kg, Felicitas DOMAJEVA (NOR) once again beats Tindra DALMYR (SWE). Domajeva got a takedown and a point for passivity and hung to her 3-1 lead for the win at 57kg.

12:05: Ahora KHATERI (IRI) must thank his luck that he managed to hang on for an 8-6 victory over Omar AYOUB (PUR) at 61kg. Ayoub had a 6-1 lead at the break but a takedown and stepout made it 6-4 for Khateri. Ayoub then gave a point for passivity and takedown in final seconds and drop the bout against the Iranian who is former world U17 champ.

11:55: Askat TOKTOMATOV (KGZ) tried pinning Takuto OSEDO (JPN) but the Japanese managed to survive. Toktomatov hit the same cut-back for four points again in the second period and pinned Osedo at 61kg and book a place in the quarterfinal against Marcus BLAZE (USA)

11:46: Adlan SAITIEV (UWW) scores two takedowns in his 61kg bout against Andrii SHOKALIUK (UKR) and wins 4-1 and advance to the quarterfinals.

11:32: Marcus BLAZE (USA) is into the quarterfinals at 61kg after European U20 champion Sargis BEGOYAN (ARM) is given three cautions and is out. In typical Blaze style, he is on a relentless attacking spree and Begoyan keeps evading. But a takedown right at the break makes it 3-0 for Blaze. They offered one for fleeing but not given. Begoyan gets on board in the second period with a head-outside finish for a takedown and makes it 3-2. A flurry of action and Blaze gets a stepout which Armenia challenges but lost which makes it 5-2 for Blaze with over a minute left in the bout. Blaze gets another point for open hands from Begoyan to lead 6-2. A caution for for Blaze for not engaging and one point for Begoyan. But two cautions against Begoyan for aggressive open hands and he is cautioned out of the match.

11:20: That match felt like it went on for ages! European U20 silver medalist Sevim AKBAS (TUR) falls to Mariia MIZIURKO (UKR), 7-5, at 59kg. Miziurko had a big four-pointer which proved to be the difference.

11:07: Returning bronze medalist at 68kg SRISHTI (IND) with a big double-leg for four to get a 10-0 win over Pan-Am U20 champion Eduarda RODRIGUES (BRA). Srishti is also the Asian U23 champion this year.

11:05: Gulnura TASHTANBEKOVA (KGZ), the Asian U20 champion at 68kg, scores a 10-0 win over Sheng Fang CAI (TPE) at 68kg. While she has frequently won medals at the Asian level, Tashtanbekova is looking for her first world medal.

10:55: Sabina TOREY (KAZ) with a quick fall over Michaela SEBOEKOVA (SVK) at 68kg to begin her international debut for Kazakhstan.

10:53: 2023 world U20 champion Ray HOSHINO (JPN) was in all sorts of trouble as returning silver medalist Ayse ERKAN (TUR) got her pinned on the mat in the 68kg bout. But Hoshino managed to move her head outside. Erkan had built a 6-0 lead before Hoshino scored a go-behind and then used an arm-bar to pin Erkan. All that in just two minutes.

10:50: Returning bronze medalist and senior Asian champion Abolfazl RAHMANI (IRI) puts a takedown clinic and beats Grigor CHERNAKOV (BUL) at 86kg. Rahmani is one of the favorites to win the gold in Samokov.

10:35: Adlan SAITIEV (UWW), who failed to medal last year, begins with a 10-1 win over Danoush JOWKAR (GBR) at 61kg. He won a silver medal at the European U20 Championships and now hoping for a world medal as well.

10:20: European U20 champion Sargis BEGOYAN (ARM) completes a first-period technical superiority win over Haci ZADE (TUR) at 61kg. Begoyan is looking to a world medal to his resume after the bronze he won in 2022 world U17.

10:15: Marcus BLAZE (USA) has to be one of the most exciting talents in Freestyle out there. The returning bronze medalists takes only 87 seconds to gut-wrench Sandro HUNGERBUEHLER (SUI) and 10-0 at 61kg.

10:00: The U20 World Championships will see the final two Freestyle weight classes, 61kg and 86kg, in action on Tuesday and the start of Women's Wrestling with 57kg, 59kg and 68kg.

Weekly FIVE! October 22, 2019

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Onishi, Blaze reach final at U20 World Championships