#JapanWrestling

Yoshimoto continues to shine while in Susaki’s shadow

Saturday, December 21, 2024 - 15:41 By Ken Marantz

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Remina YOSHIMOTO successfully defended her 50kg title with a win over Umi ITO. (Photo: Takeo YABUKI / JWF)

TOKYO (December 21) --  In a world without Yui SUSAKI, Remina YOSHIMOTO might have accumulated a stack of world and perhaps Olympic titles by now. But the reality is what it is, and Yoshimoto continues to pick up any golds that Susaki decides to forego.

Yoshimoto, who for five years now has not lost to an opponent not named Susaki, captured her second straight women's 50kg title at the Emperor's Cup All-Japan Championships on Saturday in Tokyo.

The 2021 world champion scored the decisive takedown midway through the second period, then held on for a 3-2 victory over 2023 world U23 champion Umi ITO for her fourth career crown.

"I defended at the end when the match got tough," Yoshimoto said. "I realize that I need to be able to defend by breaking the opponent down. I'll keep that in mind at practice from now on."

In other highlights on the third day of the four-day tournament at Tokyo's Yoyogi No. 2 Gym, world U20 champion Sakura ONISHI captured her first Emperor's Cup title at 59kg in dramatic fashion, while Tatsuya SHIRAI picked up an elusive first crown two years after a historic victory at the world U23.

Remina YOSHIMOTO (JPN)Remina YOSHIMOTO tries to turn Umi ITO after scoring a second-period takedown in the women's 50kg final. (Photo: Takeo YABUKI / JWF)

In the women's 50kg final, an exchange of activity points had Yoshimoto ahead on criteria when she scored a double-leg takedown at the midpoint of the second period. Ito pressed ahead and scored a stepout with 12 seconds left, but a last-ditch shot was parried by Yoshimoto's sprawl, which is how the match ended.

From the start of 2020, the 24-year-old Yoshimoto has lost just four matches -- all to Susaki, the 2021 Tokyo Olympic gold medalist who took a bronze last summer in Paris after being dealt her first-ever loss by a non-Japanese.

Since then, along with her triumph at the 2021 worlds that Susaki skipped, Yoshimoto also captured international golds at the 2021 and 2022 Asian Championships, as well as the 2023 Asian Games.

There is speculation that Susaki, who has struggled to make weight at 50kg, might move up to 53kg in the run-up to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. That prospect was made more viable with the announcement by Akari FUJINAMI, the Paris gold medalist at 53kg, that she will move up to 57kg.

"I'm not thinking about that," Yoshimoto said. "Anyway, I'm aiming to go to the World Championships next year at 50kg. I'm looking at each and every match as they come and not thinking about what my weight class will be ahead."

Another reality of Japanese women's wrestling is that there always seems to be someone new coming down the pipe. Even if Susaki leaves, coming up behind Yoshimoto is red-hot teenager Yuu KATSUME, with whom she is well acquainted -- they are in the same training group.

Yoshimoto still trains at her alma mater of Shigakkan University, where members of the team from the affiliated high school, which Katsume attends, also practice. Katsume has put up  Fujinami-like numbers, having won 18 straight tournaments, including the world U17 at 46kg this year, since a loss in the fifth grade of elementary school in 2019.

"She's really motivating me," Yoshimoto said. "It provides a great training environment.

As for someday finally getting the best of Susaki, Yoshimoto said, "She's really got my number and it's been tough. I want to find the strength and a way to win."

Sakura ONISHI (JPN)Sakura ONISHI forces Sena NAGAMOTO to her back before securing a fall in the women's 59kg final. (Photo: Takeo YABUKI / JWF)

Rising star Onishi pins down 1st title

At women's 59kg, Onishi was trailing 6-4 in the second period when she used a nifty move to take 2023 world U23 silver medalist Sena NAGAMOTO directly to her back and secure a fall at 4:50.

In the standing position, Onishi had an overhook on Nagamoto's right arm. But instead of going for an underhook on the other side, she twisted to her own right while applying pressure on the arm, crushing Nagamoto to the mat.

"I was trying for low singles, but she was ready for that," Onishi said. "Even if I got in, I couldn't get points from it. I thought, what should I do? My coach in the corner gave me advice and I had faith in it. At the end, the move I used is one that I thought I would use at some time. To do it on such a big stage gives me confidence."

The 18-year-old Onishi stole the spotlight last spring when she took down one of Japan wrestling's biggest names at the Meiji Cup All-Japan Invitational Championships, which, along with the preceding year's Emperor's Cup, serve as domestic qualifiers for the World Championships.

Onishi stunned two-time Olympic champion Risako KINJO (formerly KAWAI) en route to the 59kg title. Although she suffered a last-second loss to Kinjo in a playoff for the 59kg spot at the Non-Olympic Weight Category World Championships, Onishi's credentials were well established.

With world U17 and U20 titles already in her collection, Onishi can clinch a trip to her first senior World Championships with a victory at next year's Meiji Cup, which will be held in June.

"The Meiji Cup [last year] was my first [senior] national-level tournament, so I felt no pressure," Onishi said. "I went there to enjoy the experience and I kind of flew under the radar. This time I will be seeded and, even though I'm just 18, there will be pressure. I'm really grateful to all those who support me."

Onishi is currently a freshman at powerhouse Nippon Sports Science University, where Olympic champion Fujinami has taken her under her wing as a mentor. Like all but one of Japan's 11 Olympic medalists, Fujinami was not entered in the tournament, but she was on hand to cheer on her teammate.

"Akari was watching me from the stands and that gave me strength," Onishi said with reverence. "She's the person I admire the most. It's because of Akari that I am here now."

Tatsuya SHIRAI (JPN)Tatsuya SHIRAI, right, clamps down on Yudai TAKAHASHI in the freestyle 86kg final. (Photo: Takeo YABUKI / JWF)

Shirai finally breaks through at 86kg

Two years ago in Pontevedra, Spain, Shirai was on top of the world when he won the freestyle 86kg gold at the World U23 Championships, a feat that made him the heaviest Japanese in history to win a world title on any age level.

After that, things did not go so well, as Hayato ISHIGURO established himself as the top dog at 86kg and qualified for the Paris Olympics. Shirai failed to defend his world U23 title in 2023, losing the Aaron BROOKS (USA), who ironically would oust Ishiguro in Paris. Shirai also had to settle for a bronze at this year's Asian Championships.

In Saturday's final, Shirai grinded to a 3-0 victory over Yudai TAKAHASHI in a battle between two immovable blocks of granite and former NSSU teammates, scoring a stepout to go with a pair of activity points.

"We know each other pretty well," Shirai said.

To make the final, Shirai had to get past veteran Sohsuke TAKATANI, winning their semifinal clash 2-1, with all of those points coming on the activity clock.

"I think what Shirai needs to be concerned with is that he didn't score any technical points off me," Takatani said. "You can't leave winning or losing up to the referee. If he's going to aim for the Olympics, he needs to be more bold."

Takatani is a 12-time national champion who dropped back down to 86kg after spending the past three years at 92kg or 97kg -- and even taking a stab at Greco. Currently the head coach at Takushoku University, he won a world silver medal at 74kg in 2014, and made three Olympic appearances but never came home with a medal.

When younger brother Daichi won the 74kg silver in his Olympic debut last summer in Paris, it apparently lit a fire in Sohsuke.

He says his immediate goal is to get to the 2026 Asian Games, a tournament in which he has never taken part and which will be hosted by Japan. Long term, his eyes may also be on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, when he will be 39.

Godai MITANI (JPN)Godai MITANI scores the first of two quick-fire 4-point throws in the Greco 63kg final against Ayata SUZUKI. (Photo: Takeo YABUKI / JWF)

Soon-to-be-fireman goes out with a bang

Unheralded Ikuei University senior Godai MITANI pulled off the surprise of the day when he obliterated three-time Asian medalist Ayata SUZUKI with a pair of spectacular throws in the Greco 63kg final.

Mitani used an arm drag to lock up Suzuki's right arm, then reached around and grabbed his chin and twisted him back and down to the mat for a quick 4.

Suzuki came out of the scramble with a front headlock, but Mitani worked his way up to lock up Suzuki's head and arm, then, putting his schoolboy judo experience to work, hit a hip throw for another 4 to end the match in 28 seconds.

Mitani was unknown when he entered Ikuei, where he worked hard and managed to make his way onto some collegiate podiums, culminating with his first and only national collegiate championship this year.

Mitani has never competed overseas and, although he is halfway to earning a trip to next year's World Championships, he will not be going. Mitani said the All-Japan was his final tournament, as he has already committed to joining the fire department in his home Hiroshima Prefecture after graduating.

Also putting a cap on their career was Ikuei teammate Hanano SAKURAI, the younger sister of Paris Olympic 57kg champion Tsugumi SAKURAI. Hanano, who took a bronze medal at 50kg, will take a job as an elementary school teacher back home in Kochi Prefecture.

Day 3 Results

Freestyle

74kg (15 entries)
GOLD -- Hikaru TAKADA df. Iori KOSHIBA, 5-3
BRONZE -- Shuri ITO df. Kojiro SHIGA by TF, 12-0, 3:38
BRONZE -- Daiju SUZUKI df. Ryota UCHIYAMA, 8-3

79kg (16 entries)
GOLD -- Ryonosuke KAMIYA df. Ryuki YOSHIDA, 4-4
BRONZE -- Subaru TAKAHARA df. Hirotaka ABE, 5-0
BRONZE --  Kirin KINOSHITA df. Natsura OKAZAWA, 8-5

86kg (8 entries)
GOLD -- Tatsuya SHIRAI df. Yudai TAKAHASHI, 3-0
BRONZE -- Sohsuke TAKATANI df. Masakiyo YOSHIDA by TF, 11-0, 1:19
BRONZE -- Fumiya IGARASHI df. Daisuke MASUDA by TF, 10-0, 1:17

Greco-Roman

55kg (18 entries)
GOLD -- Yuhei YAMAGIWA df. Kenta OGUSU by TF, 9-0, 3:29
BRONZE -- Mizuki ARAKI df. Soken MASUDA, 9-5
BRONZE -- Ryuma KAWANO df. Taiga ONISHI, 10-3

63kg (20 entries)
GOLD -- Godai MITANI df. Ayata SUZUKI by TF, 8-0,: 28
BRONZE -- Komei SAWADA df. Kazuki YABE, 1-1
BRONZE -- Manato NAKAMURA df. Taishi NARIKUNI by TF, 8-0, :59

130kg (15 entries)
GOLD -- Yuta NARA df. Shion OBATA, 3-1
BRONZE -- Sota OKUMURA df. Koei YAMADA, 5-1
BRONZE -- Ayumu IWASAWA df. Naoto YAMAGUCHI, 7-1

Women's Wrestling

50kg (12 entries)
GOLD -- Remina YOSHIMOTO df. Umi ITO, 3-2
BRONZE -- Hanano SAKURAI df. Rinka OGAWA, 4-0
BRONZE -- Miyu NAKAMURA df. Mayo OTA, 7-0

59kg (12 entries)
GOLD -- Sakura ONISHI df. Sena NAGAMOTO by Fall, 4:50 (6-6)
BRONZE -- Yui SAKANO df. Sae NOGUCHI, 8-3
BRONZE -- Himeka TOKUHARA df. Minori ASANO by TF, 10-0, 1:41

76kg (6 entries)
GOLD -- Nodoka YAMAMOTO df. Yasuha MATSUYUKI by TF, 10-0, :56
BRONZE -- Mizuki NAGASHIMA df. Miku OTSUNA, 4-1

#WrestleAmman

Tanabe outdoes Olympic medalist dad by claiming Asian 65kg gold

Saturday, March 29, 2025 - 21:16 By Ken Marantz

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AMMAN, Jordan (March 29) -- By winning his first senior Asian title, collegian Kaisei TANABE (JPN) did something his father and coach was unable to accomplish. Now his aim to better dad's result at the Olympics.

Tanabe stormed to a one-sided victory in the 65kg final as Japan had two champions crowned on the first day of the freestyle competition at the Asian Championships on Saturday in Amman, Jordan.

Tanabe completed his golden run with a 12-2 victory over Tsogbadrakh TSEVEENSUREN (MGL) to outdo his father Chikara, who was a bronze medalist at the 2004  Athens Olympics but never medaled in two trips to the Asian Championships.

"My older sister is now a coach in China, and my father and mother are watching from home," the 22-year-old Tanabe said. "They give me advice before every match, and I incorporate that. This is a title won by my whole family."

Japan also got a gold from rising star Arash YOSHIDA (JPN), who added the 97kg title to the one he claimed at 92kg in 2023, while three countries split the three other golds at stake.

Asian Games silver medalist Chongsong HAN (PRK) won at 57kg, Ernazar AKMATALIEV (KGZ) took the 70kg title with his third come-from-behind victory in four matches, and teenager Mahdi YOUSEFI (IRI) put on a performance well behind his years to capture the 79kg gold.

Kaisei TANABE (JPN)Kaisei TANABE (JPN) hits a throw against Tsogbadrakh TSEVEENSUREN (MGL) in the 65kg final. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kadir Caliskan)

Tanabe, who lost in the first round last year at 61kg, showed the great strides he has made since then by sweeping through a tough field, culminating with a decisive victory over Tseveensuren, a world bronze medalist last year at 61kg.

"From the first match, I faced strong opponents, but I thought to myself, I face even stronger rivals back home in Japan," Tanabe said. "So I just did what I had to do in each and every match."

It was Tseveensuren who struck first, using a barrel roll for a 2-point takedown. But Tanabe shook off his early nerves and got down to business, scoring a 4-point takedown by getting behind Tseveensuren in the standing position and using a throw to bring him backward to the mat.

In the second period, Tanabe showed he has power to go with his speed when he shut down a headlock roll attempt for a 2-point exposure, also gaining a 2-point penalty when the Mongolian fled over the edge while his back is to the mat. A counter takedown and gut wrench then ended the match with 26 seconds to spare.

"In the final, I was nervous and gave up points first," Tanabe said. "But then the match went my way and I was able to dictate the flow."

In December, Tanabe earned his ticket to Amman by winning the national title in the absence of Paris Olympic champion and former Nippon Sports Science University teammate Kotaro KIYOOKA (JPN), who has yet to return to competition. (Tanabe also finished second in Greco-Roman at 67kg.)

With an Asian championship providing a boost of confidence, he now aims to remain the top dog in a weight class in which Japan has had the two most recent Olympic gold medalists.

"Japan is really strong in the 65kg weight class," Tanabe said. "I want to hone the weapons that only I possess and take on all of the top rivals."

At 97kg, Yoshida won a battle of young stars in the final of a weight class that saw world and Olympic champion Akhmed TAZHUDINOV (BRN) withdraw at the last minute after not recovering sufficiently from a shoulder injury.

Yoshida was largely untroubled in defeating 2023 world 92kg champion Rizabek AITMUKHAN (KAZ) 7-1, chalking up four stepouts and keeping his taller opponent at arm's length throughout the match.

The 21-year-old Yoshida got three of the stepouts in the first period, then added a fourth early in the second. He then received an activity point and got behind for a takedown before the 20-year-old Aitmukhan, who had to settle for a silver medal for the third straight year, picked up a consolation stepout.

"Tazhudinov didn't compete which made it a little easier, but it's still important that I practice even harder," Yoshida said.

Yoshida, whose father is Iranian and runs the kids wrestling club in Japan where he and his siblings started the sport, has emerged as Japan's biggest hope for its first Olympic success in the heavy weights since Akira OTA (JPN) won Olympic silvers at 90kg in 1984 and 1988.

"Japan is very strong in the light weights, and I don't think we're close to that level in the heavy weights," Yoshida said. "But we'll work hard to try to get to that level."

Yoshida came into Amman riding a victory at the Tirana Ranking Series event in February, where he turned heads with a stunning 5-5 victory in the semifinals over former Olympic champion Kyle SNYDER (USA).

He had termed that victory "lucky," but gave himself more credit for his triumph in Amman. "It was not so much lucky, more that I think I just put out everything that I had this tournament," Yoshida said.

Chongsong HAN (PRK)Chongsong HAN (PRK) won the 57kg gold medal with an 8-1 victory over Milad VALIZADEH (IRI). (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kadir Caliskan)

At 57kg, Han, the silver medalist at the 2023 Asian Games who missed out twice in qualifying for the Paris Olympics, completed a strong performance by defeating young Milad VALIZADEH (IRI) 8-1 for the gold.

Han opened the scoring with a nice duck under for a takedown, and the first period ended with him up 2-0. After Valizadeh started the second period with a stepout, Han gained another point when Iran unsuccessfully challenged a slick move by Han, who spun in mid-air to get out of an underhook.

To add insult to injury, Han was awarded a point when Valizadeh continually remained on his knees in defense at the edge to avoid a stepout. With :05 left, Han clinched the gold with a double-leg takedown for 4.

Valizadeh took home the silver in just his third tournament on the senior level.

Nothing was a sure thing when it came to matches involving Akmataliev, who chalked up his third come-from-behind victory when he rallied from a four-point deficit to defeat Viktor RASSADIN (TJK) 5-4 in the 70kg final.

Rassadin, aiming to improve on his silver medal from last year at 74kg, scored two takedowns in the first period to go ahead 4-0.

Akmataliev came to life in the second period, gaining a takedown from a duck under, than going ahead on criteria with a 2-point counter lift.

At the end, Rassadin got hold of an ankle but Akmataliev high-stepped out of it, and an unsuccessful challenge gave Akmataliev his final point.

The victory gave Akmataliev his first gold in four appearances at the Asian Championships and second medal overall following a silver in 2022, the year he also won a world bronze. He also has a world silver from 2021.

Mahdi YOUSEFI (IRI)Mahdi YOUSEFI (IRI) hits a four-point throw against Khidir SAIPUDINOV (BRN) in the 79kg final. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kadir Caliskan)

The most dominant victory of the finals was turned in by world U23 champion Yousefi, who was never challenged in charging to a 10-0 victory over Khidir SAIPUDINOV (BRN).

Yousefi, who finished second at this year's Zagreb Ranking Series event, received an activity point before scoring a takedown, despite a daring and athletic attempt by Saipudinov to prevent it. With Yousefi holding his leg in the air, Saipudinov executed a back flip, but the Iranian held on and completed the takedown anyway.

In the second period, Yousefi piled on the points with a single-leg takedown, a 2-point tilt and a 2-point exposure off a double-leg attempt to make it 8-0.

A driving double-leg takedown that went over the edge was originally scored 2 points, but was downgraded to 1 on challenge. No matter, it still gave Yousefi his 10th point to end the match at the 5-minute mark.

Iran goes 3 for 3 in bronze-medal matches

The trio of Iranians who didn't make the finals all came back to take home bronze medals. World U23 bronze medalist Abbas EBRAHIMZADEH (IRI) left no doubt in his 65kg match, pulling away in the second period for a 10-0 victory over Umidjon JALOLOV (UZB).

Ahead 1-0 from an activity point in the first period, Ebrahimzadeh got a takedown and a stepout to pad the lead, then after a second takedown, reeled off two trap-arm rolls to end the match in 4:25.

Kwang Jin KIM (PRK) eked out a 2-1 victory over last year's 61kg champion Taiyrbek ZHUMASHBEK UULU (KGZ) in the other 65kg match, which finished without a technical point but with a peculiar ending.

Both wrestlers had received an activity point, with Kim's coming in the second period to give him the advantage on criteria. Zhumashbek Uulu was scrapping in the final seconds for a score and, with the match still in progress, he signaled for his side to push the challenge button, ostensibly to penalize Kim for fleeing. The challenge was thrown out and Kim got the win.

Sina KHALILI (IRI), two years removed from winning the world U17 gold medal at 65kg, captured a 70kg bronze by defeating veteran Tulga TUMUR OCHIR (MGL) by fall after pulling away to a 9-2 lead.

Khalili got an activity clock point, then scored two driving single-leg takedowns to lead 5-0 at the break. After giving up a stepout and fleeing point, Khalili scored a takedown, then stuffed Tumur Ochir's arm throw attempt to secure the fall.

Tumur Ochir had moved up from 65kg, where he was a world bronze medalist in 2021 and took the silver at last year's Asian Championships. He barely missed out on a medal at the Paris Olympics.

In the other 70kg match, Yoshinosuke AOYAGI (JPN), the world and Asian silver medalist last year, added a second Asian bronze to his collection with a solid 8-0 victory over Russian-born Nachyn KUULAR (KAZ), a one-time European medalist.

Aoyagi, who started the year with a victory at the Tirana Ranking Series event, received an activity point in the first period, then got going in the second. He chalked up a single-leg takedown and gut wrench, then countered a takedown attempt for 2 at the edge that was upheld on challenge.

At 97kg, Mohammadmobin AZIMI (IRI), the 2023 world U20 champion at 92kg, spotted Shatlyk HEMELYAYEV (TKM) an early takedown, but then took control and scored three takedowns, including a 4-pointer at the end of the first period, to notch a 9-3 victory.

Hemelyayev, who also finished fifth in 2022 at 125kg, had been aiming to become Turkmenistan's first Asian medalist since 2018.

Awusayiman HABILA (CHN) earned his second career Asian medal at 97kg when he bulled his way to a first-period takedown, then held on after giving up a stepout in the second to defeat Kanybek ABDULKHAIROV (KGZ) 2-1.

Earlier, Rakhat KALZHAN (KAZ) claimed his third medal in three trips to the Asian Championships, and he was made to work for it in an 8-6 victory at 57kg over Husein ALBEHADILALBORS (IRQ), the Arab champion who did himself proud on the continental stage.

Kalzhan led 5-2 at the break and increased the lead with a takedown and stepout to make it 8-2. But Albehadilalbors didn't give up, forcing a stepout, then countering with a roll through on the edge for 2. A stepout with :12 left cut the lead to 2, but Kalzhan held on in the final seconds to add to his bronze from 2023 and silver from 2022.

Munkh Erdene BATKHUYAG (MGL) won the other bronze at 57kg with an opportunistic victory by fall over Rin SAKAMOTO (JPN), the young Japanese champion who has taken the rare route of heading to the United States for university.

After giving up an activity point in the first period, Sakamoto, who wears the headgear of Oklahoma State University, went ahead in the second with a stepout off a single-leg attack.

Batkhuyag responded with a stepout, onto which a fleeing point was tacked on to go ahead 3-1. Sakamoto then made a tactical error. When Batkhuyag got in deep on a single, Sakamoto reached over and tried to roll through. But the Mongolian stopped the move by sitting on his chest and the match ended with a quick call of the fall at 4:39.

At 79kg, Suldkhuu OLONBAYAR (MGL) dropped former world bronze medalist and Asian champion Arsalan BUDAZHAPOV (KGZ) for a 2-point takedown with :20 left to earn a 4-4 victory on last-point criteria and add to his 2023 bronze at 74kg.

Olonbayar opened with a takedown, but the Russian-born Budazhapov came back with a takedown while on the activity clock, and went ahead with a 2-point counter tilt.

In the second period, Olonbayar got behind in standing position and pulled Budazhapov backwards to the mat. Originally scored a 4-point takedown, it was downgraded to 2 on challenge. That kept Budazhapov's hopes alive, but Olobayar held on for the win.

Magomet EVLOEV (TJK) picked up his first major medal in impressive fashion, defeating Daulet YERGESH (KAZ) by fall in the other 79kg match.

After receiving an activity point, Evloev caught Yergesh in a cradle while countering a single-leg attempt, then rolled him over onto his back for the fall.

Photo

Day 5 Results

Freestyle

57kg (15 entries)
GOLD: Chongsong HAN (PRK) df. Milad VALIZADEH (IRI), 8-1

BRONZE: Rakhat KALZHAN (KAZ) df. Husein ALBEHADILALBORS (IRQ), 8-6
BRONZE: Munkh Erdene BATKHUYAG (MGL) df. Rin SAKAMOTO (JPN) by Fall, 4:39 (5-1)

65kg (16 entries)
GOLD: Kaisei TANABE (JPN) df. Tsogbadrakh TSEVEENSUREN (MGL) by TF, 12-2, 5:34

BRONZE: Kwang Jin KIM (PRK) df. Taiyrbek ZHUMASHBEK UULU (KGZ), 2-1
BRONZE: Abbas EBRAHIMZADEH (IRI) df. Umidjon JALOLOV (UZB) by TF, 10-0, 4:25

70kg (13 entries)
GOLD: Ernazar AKMATALIEV (KGZ) df. Viktor RASSADIN (TJK), 5-4

BRONZE: Yoshinosuke AOYAGI (JPN) df. Nachyn KUULAR (KAZ), 8-0
BRONZE: Sina KHALILI (IRI) df. Tulga TUMUR OCHIR (MGL) by Fall, 4:31 (9-2)

79kg (13 entries)
GOLD: Mahdi YOUSEFI (IRI) df. Khidir SAIPUDINOV (BRN) by TF, 10-0, 5:00

BRONZE: Suldkhuu OLONBAYAR (MGL) df. Arsalan BUDAZHAPOV (KGZ), 4-4
BRONZE: Magomet EVLOEV (TJK) df. Daulet YERGESH (KAZ) by Fall, 2:35 (3-0)

97kg (13 entries)
GOLD: Arash YOSHIDA (JPN) df. Rizabek AITMUKHAN (KAZ), 7-1

BRONZE: Mohammadmobin AZIMI (IRI) df. Shatlyk HEMELYAYEV (TKM), 9-3
BRONZE: Awusayiman HABILA (CHN) df. Kanybek ABDULKHAIROV (KGZ), 2-1