#RulesAndRegulations

Wrestling Announces Rules Modifications

By United World Wrestling Press

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (February 2) -- United World Wrestling announced wrestling rules modifications, effective Feb. 1.

In Greco-Roman, a modification has been made to passivity governance, incorporating an option for a third par terre. 

The following procedure will be enforced:

• 1st passivity in a match (regardless which wrestler), active wrestler receives 1 point and can choose between standing or par terre wrestling (P).

• 2nd passivity in a match (regardless which wrestler), active wrestler receives 1 point and can choose between standing or par terre wrestling (P).

• 3rd and any further passivity in a match (regardless which wrestler), the bout is stopped and the active wrestler can choose between standing or parterre wrestling (P). The active wrestler will not be awarded with 1 point.

Other modifications were made to individual ranking criteria in individual competitions with less than 8 athletes (Nordic Tournament) and team ranking in team competitions.

For individual competitions with less than 8 athletes (Nordic Tournament), if two wrestlers in the same group have an equal number of victories, their direct match will determine the ranking.

For team ranking in team competitions, if two teams have an equal number of team points, their direct match will determine the ranking.

For the complete set of rules, visit the UWW website.
 

#WrestleBudapest

Sharipov Sets His Sights on Dominating 125kg One Gold at a Time

By Vinay Siwach

BUDAPEST, Hungary (July 14) -- Akhmed TAZHUDINOV (BRN) and Shamil SHARIPOV (BRN) have just spent a couple of hours training on the eve the eve of Budapest Ranking Series. By the end of it, Sharipov has dictated the sparring. The 125kg wrestler clearly has edge over Tazhudinov due to his weight but he clearly looks more physically fit than his compatriot.

The two will step on the mat on Thursday at the Ranking Series tournament where medals will bring them vital ranking points for the World Championships. A year ago, Tazhudinov would have walked into any tournament as the favorite to win. In Budapest, that status has changed.

Sharipov, on the other hand, has quickly become the second best 125kg wrestler in the world and is the firm favorite to win gold on Thursday.

"I won the first ranking series and I want to repeat that result now in Budapest," Sharipov said.

After the official draw, Sharipov will open his campaign against Ulaanbaatar Open winner DINESH (IND) and a likely quarterfinal against Kazakhstan's young star Yedige KASSIMBEK (KAZ). European champion Giorgi MESHDESHVILI (AZE) will likely be the semifinal opponent.

Sharipov knows that a good run in Budapest will make him one of the favorites for the World Championships and more opponents will be keeping an eye on him. But the Asian silver medalist is waiting to get to his hands on Amir Hossein ZARE (IRI).

"As you said, I am now one of the leaders of this weight class so people are learning about me but I am ready," he said. "One of my tough opponents is Zare and one the World Championships comes closer, I will plan and find a way to wrestle him."

For Tazhudinov, it will be an opportunity to get a win back over Rizabek AITMUKHAN (KAZ), who defeated the Bahrain wrestler at the Islamic Solidarity Games. Maintaining that he has fully recovered from his injuries, Tazhudinov is locked in for the tournament and later for the World Championships where he will look to win the title he lost last year.

"My goal is always the same. I come to win and this ranking series is not an exception. We have been through a good camp and the mat will show," Tazhudinov said. "I need to get 100 percent for the World Championships."