#WrestleBudapest: Ukraine wins two golds on emotional day

Friday, April 1, 2022 - 20:41 By Vinay Siwach

BUDAPEST, Hungary (April 1) -- Alina HRUSHYNA AKOBIIA (UKR) was one of the 22-member Ukrainian team that gathered in Lviv, Ukraine on March 10.

After a traumatizing three-day journey by road, she reached Lviv and along with the team, stayed in the city for four days before leaving for Budapest, Hungary for a training camp. But as they left their homes and families behind, no one was able to concentrate on training at the camp in Budapest before the European Championships.

No one knew if they would ever return to their home, and like Akobiia, other wrestlers also spent some emotional days training in Budapest.

Those memories came bursting out of them as Akobiia claimed the first gold of the tournament for Ukraine and the chants of 'Ukarina, Ukarina' filled the Bok Sports Hall.

“I still can’t believe I’ve won the gold medal of the senior European championship," Akobiia said. "I’ve come through a tough way and a lot of people have helped me. But now, all of Ukraine has helped me. I am really happy."

Akobiia stunned Tokyo bronze medalist Evelina NIKOLOVA (BUL) in the 57kg final to claim the first gold of the tournament for her country. She was trailing 2-2 when Akobiia tripped Nikolova for four points with 39 seconds remaining. She won the final, 6-2.

Nikolova had been on an incredible run of seven wins via pin and it looked that Akobiia would be her latest victim but the Ukrainian managed to overpower Nikolova at the right time.

This was Akobiia's first-ever gold medal at the senior championships and it could not have been more special, as she dedicated the medal to Ukraine.

"I want to dedicate my gold to my parents and to my motherland Ukraine. These are the closest things to me," she said.

The fact that the team did not have a place to train until being allowed to train in Budapest made the 22-year-old's feat even more incredible.

“It was really difficult to prepare mentally," she said. "Sometimes I would give up, but then I believed in myself again. My friends didn’t let me lose heart. I believed till the end that I could make it happen.

"Nobody even planned to go to the European Championships, we just wanted to save our lives. My family is still there and we worry a lot for them. But I am here and I am happy that I have proved that I am the strongest in this weight class."

Tetiana RIZHKO (UKR) pinned Elis MANOLOVA (AZE) in the 65kg final. (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

The second gold medal for the team went to Tetiana RIZHKO (UKR) who pinned Tokyo Olympian Elis MANOLOVA (AZE) inside two minutes to win her maiden senior European gold. That medal from Rizhko sent another wave of emotional reactions not only in the Ukraine team but also in the stadium.

"It took me four days to reach Lviv, then we stayed there for three days because we couldn’t leave, then we came here to Hungary, we spent two weeks in a training camp," Rizhko said. "The wrestling association helped us a lot, the national team coaches who organized this trip. We have two gold."

Talking about her final, the Ukrainian said that she did not expect her to pin Manolova.

"I didn’t expect I would pin her so fast because the final was tough as there is high competition in my weight class," she said. "I am full of emotions. I am so glad we have such coaches and girls who came here with us."

Accompanying the team is the 2014 World Champions Yulia TAKCH (UKR), Tokyo medalist Iryna KOLIADENKO (UKR), Tetyana KIT (UKR) and Oksana LIVACH (UKR) among others.

Since the team is a mix of young wrestlers as well, the senior wrestlers had to care for the younger ones.

"I had to distract the younger girls so they don't think about what is going on," Livach said. "We had to go through a lot and stay in shelters for two weeks. It was very emotional for everyone in the training."

But they did forget the difficult times, though momentarily, as the team ceremony happened.

"When the flag of Ukraine was going up, all I could think was about what the girls have done to reach here," Takch said. "The second place is still the first for us."

Junior world champion Emma MALMGREN (SWE) won the 53kg gold in Budapest. (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

In other finals, junior world champion Emma MALMGREN (SWE) defeated three-time Olympian Maria PREVOLARAKI (GRE), 3-2, to win the gold medal at 53kg.

The 20-year-old Malmgren trailed Prevolarki 2-2 at the break but she got a point for inactivity from Prevolaraki to lead 3-2 in the second period.

She defended that lead till the end to win Sweden's first gold at the senior European Championships after four years.

"It feels unreal for me to stand here," she said. "This has been a dream for me and I have worked so hard to stand here. So it feels good to walk home with the gold medal."

Malmgren had Yuliya RATKEVICH (AZE), who wrestled the Greek wrestler at the London Olympics, in her corner, and before the final, the two had a chat about how to tackle the veteran.

"We had a good plan before the match I just kept to it," she said. "She [Ratkevich] did tell me a lot of things about her and I am glad that they are here with me. Sofia [MATTSSON] on the phone. It came out very good."

Malmgren had a great tournament as she won her first bout 12-2 and the semifinal via fall. After a disappointing tournament in Istanbul where she was pinned, it came around well.

"I am satisfied with my wrestling over the two days," she said. "I was very disappointed after Istanbul and a little concerned. Now I am feeling very happy with the result. We have new coaches in Sweden and I will start working with them and continue going with them to camps around the world."

Taybe YUSEIN (BUL) won her first gold at European Championships since 2019. (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

At 62kg, Tokyo bronze medalist Taybe YUSEIN (BUL) managed to claim the gold with a comfortable 7-0 victory over Luisa NIEMESCH (GER). She kept the pressure on her German opponent and never looked in trouble.

"I was without the gold for two years at the European Championships," Yusein said. "It was good for me to come back and win the gold. My plan was to take advantage of my opponent's mistakes. It was a great bout."

Anna SCHELL (GER) gave Germany its first gold since 2007. (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

Anna SCHELL (GER) gave Germany its lone gold of the tournament as she pinned Buse TOSUN (TUR) at 72kg. The win was her second straight win over the Turkey wrestler and she will now be UWW's number one ranked wrestler at 72kg.

"It's the second final because in Istanbul I met her in the semifinal. Today was the second bout against her and it's great to win," Schell said.

Not only did she end Germany's 15-year wait for a women's wrestling gold at European Championships, but Schell also reached a personal landmark. The gold in Budapest was the first ever in her international career.

"It's amazing as I don't have a gold medal in international competition," Schell said.

Turkey won its maiden women's wrestling team title with 140 points while Ukraine finished second with 135 points. Bulgaria was third in the race.

WW Results

53kg
GOLD: Emma MALMGREN (SWE) df Maria PREVOLARAKI (GRE), 3-2

BRONZE: Iulia LEORDA (MDA) df Zeynep YETGIL (TUR), 3-2
BRONZE: Katarzyna KRAWCZYK (POL) df Liliia MALANCHUK (UKR), 14-4

57kg
GOLD: Alina HRUSHYNA AKOBIIA (UKR) df Evelina NIKOLOVA (BUL), 6-2

BRONZE: Tamara DOLLAK (HUN) df Elvira KAMALOGLU (TUR), 7-2
BRONZE: Sandra PARUSZEWSKI (GER) df Anhelina LYSAK (POL), 4-2

62kg
GOLD: Taybe YUSEIN (BUL) df Luisa NIEMESCH (GER), 7-0

BRONZE: Natalia KUBATY (POL) df Yagmur CAKMAK (TUR), 10-0
BRONZE: Ilona PROKOPEVNIUK (UKR) df Anna FABIAN (SRB), via inj. def.

65kg
GOLD: Tetiana RIZHKO (UKR) df Elis MANOLOVA (AZE), via fall
BRONZE: Kriszta INCZE (ROU) df Sofiya GEORGIEVA (BUL), 4-3

Final standings
GOLD: Tetiana RIZHKO (UKR)
SILVER: Elis MANOLOVA (AZE)
BRONZE: Kriszta INCZE (ROU)

72kg
GOLD: Anna SCHELL (GER) df Buse TOSUN (TUR), via fall

BRONZE: Kendra DACHER (FRA) df Eleni PJOLLAJ (ITA), via fall
BRONZE: Yuliana YANEVA (BUL) df Alexandra ANGHEL (ROU), 3-3

GR Semifinal Results

55kg
GOLD: Eldaniz AZIZLI (AZE) vs Nugzari TSURTSUMIA (GEO)

SF 1: Eldaniz AZIZLI (AZE) df Rudik MKRTCHYAN (ARM), 7-3
SF 2: Nugzari TSURTSUMIA (GEO) df Artiom DELEANU (MDA), 9-0

63kg
GOLD: Taleh MAMMADOV (AZE) vs Leri ABULADZE (GEO)

SF 1: Taleh MAMMADOV (AZE) df Hrachya POGHOSYAN (ARM), 3-1
SF 2: Leri ABULADZE (GEO) df Etienne KINSINGER (GER), 6-2

77kg
GOLD: Malkhas AMOYAN (ARM) vs Yunus BASAR (TUR)

SF 1: Malkhas AMOYAN (ARM) df Per OLOFSSON (SWE), 9-0
SF 2: Yunus BASAR (TUR) df Aik MNATSAKANIAN (BUL), 5-3

87kg
GOLD: Nicu OJOG (ROU) vs Turpan BISULTANOV (DEN)

SF 1: Nicu OJOG (ROU) df Islam ABBASOV (AZE), via fall
SF 2: Turpan BISULTANOV (DEN) df Mirco MINGUZZI (ITA), 10-0

130kg
GOLD: Danila SOTNIKOV (ITA) vs Riza KAYAALP (TUR)

SF 1: Danila SOTNIKOV (ITA) df Franz RICHTER (GER), via fall
SF 2: Riza KAYAALP (TUR) df Beka KANDELAKI (AZE), 1-1

#WrestleBratislava

Olympic champ Novikov sets up Paris rematch with Losonczi

Friday, April 11, 2025 - 08:55 By Vinay Siwach

BRATISLAVA, Slovakia (April 11) -- Olympic champion Semen NOVIKOV (BUL) had to make three comebacks in three bouts to reach the European Championships final.

Novikov was up against Islam ABBASOV (AZE) in the semifinal and got the par terre advantage first. He scored a gut-wrench to lead 3-0. Abbasov got the chance in the second period and scored exposure with reverse lock. Novikov blocked Abbasov after the exposure and got the one point for reversal and keep the lead 4-3. A late stepout made it 5-3 for Novikov.

In a rematch of the Paris Olympic semifinal, Novikov will face world champion David LOSONCZI (HUN) who defeated defending champion Aleksandr KOMAROV (SRB) in the other semifinal. Losonczi hit a perfect suplex for four points to win 5-1 against Komarov.

Armenia and Turkiye were the most successful countries of the semifinals session as they had two finalists each. Armenia had Malkhas AMOYAN (ARM) and Karen ASLANYAN (ARM) while Turkiye put Kerem KAMAL (TUR) and Hamza BAKIR (TUR).

Kamal, who won the Muhamet Malo Ranking Series, entered his fourth European Championships with an inspiring performance in which he defeated former champion Murad MAMMADOV (AZE), 5-4.

He will face Aslanyan for the gold medal after he made it to his first-ever final after he scored a takedown four-pointer and a turn to beat Andrii SEMENCHUK (UKR), 8-0.

Bakir made sure a Turkish wrestler was in the final of 130kg after he defeated Jello KRAHMER (GER) 3-2 in the semifinal. Bakir made a turn from par terre to lead 3-0. Krahmer hit a takedown in the final seconds of the bout but time ran out for any further action.

Bakir will take on defending champion Sergei SEMENOV (UWW) who pinned Dzmitry ZARUBSKI (UWW) in the other semifinal.

In an entertaining 77kg semifinal, Ramaz ZOIDZE (GEO) earned his first trip to the European Championships final after he defeated Per Albin OLOFSSON (SWE) 10-2.

Zoidze scored a takedown before hitting a headlock throw to get a fall. But Olofsson defended and reversed the positions to get two points. Zoidze escaped and had Olofsson in danger again for two points and the scramble ended with Zoidze leading 8-2. Sweden challenged the scoring and lost a point for the lost challenge.

A stepout finished the bout and Zoidze booked a face-off with four-time European champion Malkhas AMOYAN (ARM) who defeated Aik MNATSAKANIAN (BUL), 5-1, in the other semifinal of 77kg. Amoyan got the first par terre advantage and he scored two turns to lead 5-1. Mnatsakanian never got off to a start despite getting two par terre.

In the 55kg final, four-time world and two-time European champion Eldaniz AZIZLI (AZE) will take on Emin SEFERSHAEV (UWW) for the gold medal.

Azizli defeated Manvel KHACHATRYAN (ARM) after scoring two exposures from front locks and defended his par terre position to win 5-1.

Sefershaev defeated defending champion Artiom DELEANU (MDA), 4-1, in the other semifinal.

RESULTS

55kg
GOLD: Eldaniz AZIZLI (AZE) vs. Emin SEFERSHAEV (UWW)

SF 1: Eldaniz AZIZLI (AZE) df. Manvel KHACHATRYAN (ARM), 5-1
SF 2: Emin SEFERSHAEV (UWW) df. Artiom DELEANU (MDA), 4-1

63kg
GOLD: Karen ASLANYAN (ARM) vs. Kerem KAMAL (TUR)

SF 1: Karen ASLANYAN (ARM) df. Andrii SEMENCHUK (UKR), 8-0
SF 2: Kerem KAMAL (TUR) df. Murad MAMMADOV (AZE), 5-4

77kg
GOLD: Ramaz ZOIDZE (GEO) vs. Malkhas AMOYAN (ARM)

SF 1: Ramaz ZOIDZE (GEO) df. Per Albin OLOFSSON (SWE), 10-2
SF 2: Malkhas AMOYAN (ARM) df. Aik MNATSAKANIAN (BUL), 5-1

87kg
GOLD: Semen NOVIKOV (BUL) vs. David LOSONCZI (HUN)

SF 1: Semen NOVIKOV (BUL) df. Islam ABBASOV (AZE), 5-3
SF 2: David LOSONCZI (HUN) df. Aleksandr KOMAROV (SRB), 5-1

130kg
GOLD: Sergei SEMENOV (UWW) vs. Hamza BAKIR (TUR)

SF 1: Sergei SEMENOV (UWW) df. Dzmitry ZARUBSKI (UWW), via fall
SF 2: Hamza BAKIR (TUR) df. Jello KRAHMER (GER), 3-2

Morning session qualification results and blog follows below

WATCH LIVE | LIVE MATCH ORDER | DAY 4 RESULTS

13:48: In the final match of the session, David LOSONCZI (HUN) makes sure he secures his place in the semifinals in 87kg. He defeated Hannes WAGNER (GER) 2-1 to enter the semifinal. Wagner got the first par terre advantage but Losonczi scored a stepout. However, according to the new rule, Wagner held the criteria advantage as the score was 1-1. But Losonczi gets the second par terre and wins 2-1

13:42: Defending 87kg champion Aleksandr KOMAROV (SRB) with a turn from par terre to lead 3-1 against Milad ALIRZAEV (UWW). He tries to defend the lead but Alirzaev scores a stepout to make it 3-2. Another stepout for Alirzaev with 45 seconds remaining to make it 3-3 but Komarov leads on criteria for the turn. Komarov defends the 3-3 lead and enters the semifinal. Alirzaev challenges for a finger grabbing foul but he loses the challenge and Komarov wins 4-3.

13:35: Olympic champion Semen NOVIKOV (BUL) with a second come-from-behind victory at 87kg. He fell behind 3-1 after European silver medalist Yaroslav FILCHAKOV (UKR) blocked him during the turn which Novikov challenged and lost. Novikov began the second period with a pushout to cut the lead to 3-2. He gets the second par terre as well to make it 3-3 but Filchakov who still leads on criteria. With time running out, Novikov is desperate and he tried a double-arm lock on which Filchakov tried to evade and stepped in the danger zone and Novikov scored a stepout to win 4-3. Filchakov challenges but no change in decision as Olympic champion Novikov wins 5-3.

13:22: If you watched Mat A and wonder why Jello KRAHMER (GER) won against Heiki NABI (EST) despite getting the first par terre advantage and not the second, it is because UWW is testing a new rule change that if the Greco-Roman bout ends 1-1, the wrestler with first point will win on criteria. That is only for 1-1 bouts.

13:00: Aik MNATSAKANIAN (BUL) with a big 6-1 win over Zoltan LEVAI (HUN) in the 77kg quarterfinals. Levai got the third passivity and as he tiring to headpinch Mnatsakanian, he failed to move his leg and got thrown for two points and then put his hand on Mnatsakanian's face to be docked two more points. Levai challenged the call but lost and Mnatsakanian won 6-1.

12:48: Kerem KAMAL (TUR) with four reverse lift throws after getting par terre to beat world U23 champion at 63kg Vitalie ERIOMENCO (MDA). He moves into the semifinals.

12:42: Milad ALIRZAEV (UWW) counters Achiko BOLKVADZE (GEO) when the Georgian scored a turn from par terre and then scored a stepout to lead 5-3. Bolkvadze challenges the call but he is docked a point for fleeing as well. He goes down 6-3 to Alirzaev at 87kg

12:30: Islam ABBASOV (AZE) with two takedowns against Marcel STERKENBURG (NED) to post a 4-1 win and advance at 87kg. Azerbaijan is gunning for that team title in Greco-Roman after it won it in Freestyle.

12:28: Defending champion at 87kg Aleksandr KOMAROV (SRB) streamrolls Muhutdin SARICICEK (TUR) 9-0 and moves into the quarterfinals.

12:22: Olympic champion Semen NOVIKOV (BUL) got turned from par terre and fell 3-0 behind against Karen KHACHATRYAN (ARM) but he answers with six points in the second period and wins 6-3 at 87kg

12:15: Ahmet YILMAZ (TUR) hangs on for a 2-1 win over Sanan SULEYMANOV (AZE) at 77kg. Big result for Yilmaz and Turkiye at the European Championships.

12:10: Defending champion and Paris Olympic bronze medalist Malkhas AMOYAN (ARM) stuns with two back-to-back four points throws to win 9-0 against Mateusz BERNATEK (POL) at 77kg.

12:05: Big match at 77kg as World silver medalist Zoltan LEVAI (HUN) takes on Sergei STEPANOV (UWW) who won the Zagreb Ranking Series in January. Levai with a counter four-pointer to start off the bout. Stepanov tried locking Levai but failed to lock his hands behind Levai who threw him on the mat for four. A stepout made it 5-0 at the break for Levai. There is no more scoring action or any par terre decisions and Levai beats Stepanov 5-0 to move into the quarterfinals.

11:45: Dzmitry ZARUBSKI (UWW) pins Apostolos TSIOVOLOS (GRE) at 130kg. While two-time Olympic medalist Sergei SEMENOV (UWW) is the favorite at 130kg, their are others who can upset him.

11:40: Beka KANDELAKI (AZE) pins European U23 champion Mykhailo VYSHNYVETSKYI (UKR) at 130kg. Kandelaki with two head throws which shocked Vysgnyvetskyi

11:35: Sergei SEMENOV (UWW), the defending champion at 130kg, with a 6-0 win over Darius VITEK (HUN) to begin his title defense. Semenov denied Riza KAYAALP (TUR) his historic 13th European title last year which would have put him ahead of Aleksandr KARELIN.

11:30: Kerem KAMAL (TUR) opens his European Championships with a 6-0 win over Tino OJALA (FIN) at 63kg. Kamal won the Muhamet Malo Ranking Series gold at 63kg and has new-found motivation.

11:20: Hannes WAGNER (GER) rolls to a 10-0 technical superiority win over Vladimeri KARCHAIDZE (GEO) in the opening round at 77kg. Karchaidze was hoping to build on his European U23 silver medal but falls at the first step

11:00: Mairbek SALIMOV (POL) with the first big move of the day with a flowing suplex over Dinislam BAMMATOV (UWW) for a 9-0 win at 63kg.

10:30: Greco-Roman will begin at the European Championships with five weight classes. The morning session will run with it and semifinals at 16:45. Women's Wrestling medal bouts will be at 18:00.

#WrestleBudapest: Ukraine wins two golds on emotional day

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Olympic champ Novikov sets up Paris rematch with Losonczi