#WrestleTokyo Olympic Games Preview: 74kg

Thursday, July 29, 2021 - 18:30 By Eric Olanowski

TOKYO, Japan (July 20) --- Despite donning a trio of multiple-time world champions, Zaurbek SIDAKOV (RUS) heads into the Tokyo Olympic Games as the front-runner to win 74kg Olympic gold after he stole the show at the '18 and '19 World Championships. He’s seeded No. 3 behind Frank CHAMIZO MARQUEZ (ITA) and Daniyar KAISANOV (KAZ), respectively.

He'd Join Buvaisar SAITIEV (RUS) as the only Russian wrestler to win 74kg Olympic gold.

Sidakov made his world-level debut for Russia's freestyle squad at the '18 World Championships and has reigned supreme over the field since then. The 26-year-old Beslan, North Ossetia-Alania native, entered the World Championships in Budapest relatively unknown but upset Olympic champion Jordan BURROUGHS (USA) and fellow two-time world champions Chamizo before ultimately winning gold. He repeated the feat a year later in Nur-Sultan. Sidakov stole the match from Burroughs for a second consecutive year after he scored a stepout with less than two seconds left. He followed that up with a second win over Chamizo and reached the top of the podium for a second consecutive year. He's yet to drop a match to a non-Russian opponent, all while claiming gold medals at the World Championships in '18 and '19, and '19 gold at the European Games and Ivan Yariguin Ranking Series event.

Even though he's fallen to Sidakov in their previous two meetings, it's Chamizo, who just turns 29 on July 10, that's seeded first at the weight. The two-time world champion and Rio Olympic bronze medalist reached the top of the seeds at 74kg after winning gold at the '20 European Championships and silver medals at the '19 World Championships and '21 Poland Open Ranking Series event.

Kaisanov and Mostafa HOSSEINKHANI (IRI) are the other two seeded wrestlers at 74kg.

Kaisanov, the 28-year-old Semey-born wrestler, is seeded second and sits on the same side of the bracket Sidakov. He originally placed fifth '19 World Championships to secure Kazakhstan's place at Tokyo Olympics but was upgraded to bronze in February 2020 after Zelimkhan KHADJIEV (FRA) tested positive for doping.

Hosseinkhani is the fourth-seeded and will share the top side of the bracket with Frank Chamizo. Iran elected to roll with the 32-year-old over Younes EMAMI, who qualified the weight for Iran through his gold-medal performance at the Asian Olympic Qualifier.

Meanwhile, Kyle 'Kid Dynamite' DAKE (USA) is the third two-time world champion on everyone's radar.

Dake strolls into Tokyo riding a 48 match win streak that dates back to mid-2018. During that run, the 30-years-old struck 79kg gold in back-to-back years while outsourcing his opponents 64-6.

After the '19 World Championships, Dake descended from the non-Olympic weight of 79kg to 74kg to make an Olympic run. The father-of-two punched his ticket to the Olympic Games on USA's freestyle squad with a pair of convincing wins over four-time world champion Burroughs at the United States Olympic Trials and earned his spot in Tokyo.

Other past world finalists include Jeandry GARZON CABALLERO (CUB), Franklin GOMEZ MATOS (PUR) and Avtandil KENTCHADZE (GEO).

Kenchadze was the most recent of the three to reach a finals match. The 25-year-old from Ambrolauri, Georgia, grabbed four wins at the '18 World Championships -- highlighted by victories over Rio Olympic bronze medalist Soner DEMIRTAS (TUR) and world bronze medalist Bekzod ABDURAKHMONOV (UZB) -- and reached the gold-medal match. However, he dropped a close 2-2 match against Sidakov and finished in second place.

When Gomez takes the mat in Tokyo, he'll be the first Puerto Rican to wrestle in three Olympic Games. The soon-to-be 35-year-old fell to his '11 world finalist opponent and eventual silver medalist Besik KUDUKHOV (RUS) in the first round of the London Olympic Games and finished in 15th-place. In Rio, he fell to eventual bronze medalist Ikhtiyor NAVRUZOV (UZB) and finished in 9th place.

At 37-years-old, Garzon Caballero will be wrestling in his second Olympic Games. The four-time world medalist and '07 finalist will compete in his first Games since the '08 Beijing Olympic Games, where he finished in fifth place.

Outside of the heavy hitters at 74kg, a pair outside dark horses that could shake up the bracket are Bekzod ABDURAKHMONOV (UZB) and Mahamedkhabib KADZIMAHAMEDAU (BLR).

Abdurakhmonov, known for his 11-1 thumping of Burroughs at the Rio Olympic Games, will look to improve on his fifth-place finish from Brazil. This year, the two-time world bronze medalist finished on the podium at the two events he's entered. He won a bronze meal at the International Ukrainian Tournament and a silver medal at the Asian Olympic Qualifier.

Kadimahamedau is another guy who can end the title hopes for a lot of guys. Since transferring to Belarus in '20, the 27-year-old Khushtada, Tsumadinsky, Dagestan-born wrestler, won gold at the European Championships and World Olympic Qualifier and finished in third place at the Individual World Cup.

It’s also worth noting, on July 20, Azerbaijan replaced Khadzhimurad GADZHIYEV (AZE) with Turan BAYRAMOV (AZE).

Wrestling at the Tokyo Olympic Games kicks off August 1-7 at the Makuhari Messe with 74kg action beginning on August 5.

74kg
No. 1 Frank CHAMIZO MARQUEZ (ITA)
No. 2 Daniyar KAISANOV (KAZ)
No. 3 Zaurbek SIDAKOV (RUS)
No. 4 Mostafa Mohabbali HOSSEINKHANI (IRI)
Kyle Douglas DAKE (USA)
Keisuke OTOGURO (JPN)
Kamil RYBICKI (POL)
Amr Reda Ramadan HUSSEN (EGY)
Augusto MIDANA (GBS)
Jeandry GARZON CABALLERO (CUB)
Franklin GOMEZ MATOS (PUR)
Avtandil KENTCHADZE (GEO)
Turan BAYRAMOV (AZE)
Bekzod ABDURAKHMONOV (UZB)
Mahamedkhabib KADZIMAHAMEDAU (BLR)
Vasyl MYKHAILOV (UKR)

#WrestleBaku

Murtazaliev defends U23 European gold; Azerbaijan wins Greco team title

Wednesday, May 22, 2024 - 19:29 By United World Wrestling Press

BAKU, Azerbaijan (May 22) -- Magomed MURTAZALIEV (AIN) fell on his knees. Abubakar KHASLAKHANAU (AIN) looked around in a daze, his hands on the back of his head. Both breathing heavily, both barely able to walk any extra step than needed.

This was a fight for the gold medal between the two giants of the Greco-Roman 97kg category. Murtazaliev, a senior European Championship silver medallist and defending champion of the U23 continental tournament but missing out on a Paris Olympics spot. Khaslakhanau, a senior European bronze medallist, looking for his maiden U23 title, which would have been a perfect boost for his Olympic preparations.

After grueling six minutes, which tested the strength and stamina of both wrestlers to the limit, it was Murtazaliev who finished on top. The 23-year-old defeated Khaslakhanau 4-1 to defend his title here in Baku.

Magomed MURTAZALIEV (AIN) defends a throw from Abubakar KHASLAKHANAU (AIN) in the 97kg Greco-Roman final. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kadir Caliskan)

Murtazaliev made all the early moves, using an underhook in search for a proper grip over Khaslakhanau. Shortly after one minute, the Paris Olympics-bound wrestler was penalized for passivity. Murtazaliev got a point for that and then used a strong gut-wrench for two points despite some exceptional defense from his opponent.

Khaslakhanau had his moments including the par terre in the second period. He completed a throw but Murtazaliev did not land in danger, forcing Khaslakhanau to challenge but to no avail. Murtazaliev used all his might to defend his 4-1 lead and ensure he ended the evening with a gold medal hanging around his neck.

Murtazaliev and Khaslakhanau embraced each other after the end of the bout when they left the mat. But it was the home wrestlers that celebrated the most as Azerbaijan won the team title with 163 points. Georgia finished second with 138 points and Turkiye was third with 135 points.

Gurban GURBANOV (AZE) celebrates after winning the 82kg gold medal in Baku. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Jake Kirkman)

The major contribution to Azerbaijan’s team title came from Gurban GURBANOV (AZE), who beat Islam ALIEV (AIN) 8-2 in an action-packed bout to win his second successive title.

But the scoreline hardly captures the drama that unfolded.

Only 30 seconds into the bout, Gurbanov requested a challenge, accusing Aliev of blocking using his hands on legs. The challenge was upheld and Aliev was cautioned, with the defending champion awarded two points.

That, however, was only the beginning. A minute later, Gurbanov had the par terre advantage, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. Those in the stands had more to cheer for after Gurbanov used a high gut to turn Aliev and extend his lead to 5-1.

Desperate to reduce his deficit, Aliev threw the kitchen sink at his rival. He got the par terre but failed to score and even asked for a challenge for blocking by Gurbanov only to see him lose one more point for a lost challenge. Just then, however, things started to get heated. A minute into the second round, Gurbanov alleged that Aliev pushed him out of the mat – and over the podium. The momentum carried the home favorite behind the judge’s table and as he walked back onto the mat, he held his left leg and looked in some discomfort.

After a stepout, Aliev head-butted Gurbanov with 1:33 left on the clock. He was awarded two points for dangerous play as Aliev received another caution.

The penalty points combined gave Gurbanov enough cushion to defend his lead in the closing moments and although Aliev did not give up, it was too big a gap to close down. Amidst a din, Gurbanov draped his country’s flag around his shoulders and took a lap of honor.

Mert ILBARS (TUR), behind, scored the match-winning stepout against Nihad GULUZADE (AZE) from this position. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Jake Kirkman)

Azerbaijan very nearly celebrated a second gold medal of the night. However, Nihad GULUZADE (AZE) came up agonizingly short against Mert ILBARS (TUR) in the 60kg final, losing 2-1.

Both wrestlers produced strong defensive performances, but the bout was anything but defensive. Guluzade, in particular, would leave the tournament with a feeling of ‘what if’. After the two wrestlers exchanged points for par terre with Ilbars leading 1-1 on criteria, Guluzade got the third par terre position late in the bout. The third call only offers position advantage and no points but Ilbars didn’t allow his opponent a proper grip and instead forced a remarkable turnaround to get into an attacking position and score a point from a push out.

For the rest of the bout, Ilbars defended as if his life depended on it and came out on top by the narrowest of margins.

Giorgi CHKHIKVADZE (GEO) celebrates after winning the 72kg gold medal. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kadir Caliskan)

Meanwhile, Giorgi CHKHIKVADZE (GEO) beat Vilius SAVICKAS (LTU) 8-0 to win the gold medal in the 72kg category and add a second U23 European title. That win propelled Georgia over Turkiye in the team title race.

Turkiye could have finished second had Azat SARIYAR (TUR) won the 67kg 67kg final. Instead, Daniial AGAEV (AIN) rolled to an 11-1 technical superiority win to capture the gold at 67kg.

Defending champion Jonna MALMGREN (SWE) reached the 55kg final. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kadir Caliskan)

Malmgren on course to defend her title

Women’s wrestling star Jonna MALMGREN (SWE) stayed on course to winning her second consecutive U23 title after she reached the 55 kg category final.

Malmgren, one of the contenders for the Paris Olympics, was the odds-on favorite to defend her crown in Baku and it didn’t take long to understand why. The two-time senior European champion, who added a silver this year, was dominant in all her bouts, scoring 22 points and conceding just two.

The 22-year-old Swede will face Mariia VYNNYK (UKR), who has already improved on her performance from last year’s continental championship but will be hoping for a top-of-the-podium finish, which would also be her best-ever performance.

Vynnyk will be one of the three Ukrainian wrestlers who will have a shot at the gold medal on Thursday. In 68kg, Manola SKOBELSKA (UKR) will take on Elizaveta PETLIAKOVA (AIN) in the title round whereas Mariia ORLEVYCH (UKR) will face Laura KUEHN (GER) in the 76kg final.

RESULTS

60kg
GOLD: Mert ILBARS (TUR) df. Nihad GULUZADE (AZE), 2-1

BRONZE: Dinislam BAMMATOV (AIN) df. Olivier SKRZYPCZAK (POL), 6-3
BRONZE: Melkamu FETENE (ISR) df. Georgios SCARPELLO (GER), 4-3

67kg
GOLD: Daniial AGAEV (AIN) df. Azat SARIYAR (TUR), 11-1

BRONZE: Oleg KHALILOV (UKR) df. Yanis GUENDEZ NIFRI (FRA), 2-2
BRONZE: Diego CHKHIKVADZE (GEO) df. Dimitar GEORGIEV (BUL), 9-1

72kg
GOLD: Giorgi CHKHIKVADZE (GEO) df. Vilius SAVICKAS (LTU), 8-0

BRONZE: Ruslan NURULLAYEV (AZE) df. Petar GORNYASHKI (BUL), 7-4
BRONZE: Vasile ZABICA (MDA) df. Giovanni ALESSIO (ITA), 5-4

82kg
GOLD: Gurban GURBANOV (AZE) df. Islam ALIEV (AIN), 8-2

BRONZE: Deni NAKAEV (GER) df. Alexandru SOLOVEI (MDA), 4-1
BRONZE: Vladimeri KARCHAIDZE (FRA) df. Leon RIVALTA (ITA), via fall (11-4)

97kg
GOLD: Magomed MURTAZALIEV (AIN) df. Abubakar KHASLAKHANAU (AIN), 4-1

BRONZE: Murad AHMADIYEV (AZE) df. Aapo VIITALA (FIN), 11-0
BRONZE: Anton VIEWEG (GER) df. Luka KATIC (SRB), 3-1

Women's Wrestling Semifinals

50kg
GOLD: Natallia VARAKINA (AIN) vs. Zehra DEMIRHAN (TUR)

SF 1: Natallia VARAKINA (AIN) df. Ana PIRVU (ROU), 10-0
SF 2: Zehra DEMIRHAN (TUR) df. Gabija DILYTE (LTU), 6-4

55kg
GOLD: Mariia VYNNYK (UKR) vs. Jonna MALMGREN (SWE)

SF 1: Jonna MALMGREN (SWE) df. Mihaela SAMOIL (MDA), via fall (8-0)
SF 2: Mariia VYNNYK (UKR) df. Aliaksandra BULAVA (AIN), 11-0

59kg
GOLD: Anastasiia SIDELNIKOVA (AIN) vs. Alesia HETMANAVA (AIN)

SF 1: Alesia HETMANAVA (AIN) df. Ana Maria PUIU (ROU), 11-0
SF 2: Anastasiia SIDELNIKOVA (AIN) df. Sevim AKBAS (TUR), 5-1

68kg
GOLD: Manola SKOBELSKA (UKR) vs. Elizaveta PETLIAKOVA (AIN)

SF 1: Elizaveta PETLIAKOVA (AIN) df. Sophia SCHAEFLE (GER), via fall (6-0)
SF 2: Manola SKOBELSKA (UKR) df. Karolina POK (HUN), 2-0

76kg
GOLD: Laura KUEHN (GER) vs. Mariia ORLEVYCH (UKR)

SF 1: Mariia ORLEVYCH (UKR) df. Nazar BATIR (TUR), 3-2
SF 2: Laura KUEHN (GER) df. Olga KOZYREVA (AIN), 9-8

#WrestleTokyo Olympic Games Preview: 74kg

Comments

Murtazaliev defends U23 European gold; Azerbaijan wins Greco team title