Youngsters Shine in Greco-Roman; Tynybekova, Kawai Reach Semifinals

Tuesday, August 3, 2021 - 07:45 By Vinay Siwach

CHIBA, Japan (August 3) --- Out of the 49 wrestlers that took the mat Tuesday at the Makuhari Messe Hall in Chiba, 22 were world champions at the senior or age group level. By the end of the morning session eight remained in the hunt for the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics.

Wrestling saw action in 67kg and 87kg in Greco-Roman and 62kg in women's wrestling as it entered day three of the Olympics in Chiba Prefecture, 20 kilometers from downtown Tokyo. Semifinals were decided in all three of the weight categories.

A host of upsets in the morning sessions gave way to young blood in the 67kg semifinals. Former cadet world champion Ramaz ZOIDZE (GEO) reached the semifinal after dumping Rio Olympic gold medalist Ismael BORRERO (CUB) in the opening round. Borrero was trailing 1-1 on criteria after giving up passivity in the second period. He went for a head pinch to get two points but instead gave up a takedown to trail 1-3. A late step out point was not enough as the defending champion lost 3-2.

Zoidze will face will face U23 world champion Mohammadreza GERAEI (IRI) in the semifinals as he upset three-time world champion Frank STAEBLER (GER) 5-5 in the quarterfinals. Staebler was leading 5-3 when the referees called for a leg-foul and it was awarded to Geraei. The two had one caution each and a similar scoring pattern but the Iran wrestler had the last point and was declared the winner.

Elsayed Mohamed ELSAYED (EGY) is one of the two wrestlers from his country to make the semifinalists in Tokyo. (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

The other semifinal will also see young guns Parviz NASIBOV (UKR) take on Mohamed ELSAYED (EGY). Multiple times age-group world medalist Nasibov claimed 2018 world champion Artem SURKOV (ROC) with a 1-1 score. The two had a passivity each but it was the Ukrainian who had it in the second period.

Elsayed had a frantic first bout against two-time world champion RYU Hansu (KOR) but hung in for a 7-6 win. In the quarterfinals he was in deep water against former junior world champion Karen ASLANYAN (ARM), but pulled out a 7-7 victory to reach the semifinals.

While it was youngsters who shone in 67kg, veterans ruled the 87kg weight class. In the final lap of his career, world champion Viktor LORINCZ (HUN) reached the semifinal and will take on Mohamed METWALLY (EGY). He defeated Atabek AZISBEKOV (KGZ) 6-1 in the first bout before he stopped Rio bronze medalist Denis KUDLA (GER) 1-1 in the quarterfinal.

Metwally was the surprise entry in the list as he won by technical superiority 9-1 over Individual World Cup winner Kiril MASKEVICH (BLR). He then pulled out a fall over Daniel GREGORICH HECHAVARRIA (CUB) to reach the semifinal.

Rio silver medalist and world champion Zhan BELENIUK (UKR) will take on Ivan HUKLEK (CRO) in the other semifinal at 87kg. Beleniuk continued his well planned strategy of trying to attack more in the second period, resulting in him winning the criteria lead.

Zhan BELENIUK (UKR) reached the 87kg semifinal. (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

In the first bout, he wrestled European champion Zurabi DATUNASHVILI (SRB) and won 3-1 after a big gut from par terre. Bachir SID AZARA (ALG) kept the match tighter, but it was Beleniuk gutting out the 1-1 win and trip to the semifinals.

Huklek removed Rio Olympic bronze medalist Rustam ASSAKOLO (UZB) in the quarterfinal with a 4-1 win. He began with a 5-3 win over John STEFANOWICZ (USA).

On the women's side, world champion Aisuluu TYNYBEKOVA (KGZ) booked her spot in the second straight Olympic semifinal and will take on Iryna KOLIADENKO (UKR). In 2016, Tynybekova lost her semifinal and later the bronze medal bout.

But she looked a wrestler on a mission as she defeated Anastasija GRIGORJEVA (LAT) 8-0 with those trademark double-leg takedowns. And just when it seemed that Kriszta INCZE (ROU) will be a problem, she exposed the Romanian to her back and won via fall.

Aisuluu TYNYBEKOVA (KGZ) is in the 62kg semifinal. (Photo: UWW / Martin Gabor)

Koliadenko also looks like the one to cause the upset as she won both her bouts via fall. First was Aminat ADENIYI (NGR) who was up 4-0 but the Ukrainian smashed her to the mat and the referee took their time but finally called it a pin. LONG Jia (CHN) was her next victim as she also suffered a fall in the first period itself.

Even if Tynybekova clears the semifinals, she will meet one of the two main rivals in the Olympic finals as KAWAI Yukako (JPN) and Taybe YUSEIN (BUL) made it to the semifinal from the other side of the bracket at 62kg.

Kawai, wrestling at her first Olympics, got her lace going against Liubov OVCHAROVA (ROC) to win 10-0 before she won 10-2 against a tiring Henna JOHANSSON (SWE). The Swede did give up a point for passivity but managed a takedown but Kawai came back stronger with a four pointer as well to win.

Yusein was also dominant in her two bouts as she got Bolortuya KHURELKHUU (MGL) in a arm-to-chest wrap and got the rolls for a 10-0 win in no time. But her opening win was 4-1 against Lais NUNES (BRA).

The semifinals will be followed by the medal bouts of the Greco-Roman 77kg and 97kg and women's 68kg weight classes.

#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

Youngsters Shine in Greco-Roman; Tynybekova, Kawai Reach Semifinals

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Murtazaliev defends U23 European gold; Azerbaijan wins Greco team title