#WrestleBelgrade

2023 Wrestling World Championships 57kg, 74kg, 79kg, 92kg semis set

Sunday, September 17, 2023 - 08:23 By Ken Marantz & Vinay Siwach

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BELGRADE, Serbia (September 17) -- The World Championships enters its second day with more Freestyle action. Four new weight categories will be on the mat 57kg, 74kg, 79kg and 92kg with the first two being Olympic weight classes. Later in the evening, Paris Olympic quotas will be handed out.

WATCH LIVE | MATCH ORDER

The semifinals at 57kg, 74kg, 79kg and 92kg

79kg
Akhmed USMANOV (AIN) vs. Orkhan ABASOV (AZE)
Vladimeri GAMKRELIDZE (GEO) vs. Vasyl MYKHAILOV (UKR)

92kg
Miriani MAISURADZE (GEO) vs. Rizabek AITMUKHAN (KAZ)
Arash YOSHIDA (JPN) vs. Osman NURMAGOMEDOV (AZE)

57kg
Rei HIGUCHI (JPN) vs. Meirambek KARTBAY (KAZ)
Stevan MICIC (SRB) vs. Zelimkhan ABAKAROV (ALB)

74kg
Turan BAYRAMOV (AZE) vs. Zaurbek SIDAKOV (AIN)
Georgios KOUGIOUMTSIDIS (GRE) vs. Kyle DAKE (USA)

15:48: Zaurbek SIDAKOV (AIN) avoids the fate of fellow Olympic champion Zavur UGUEV (AIN) when he staves off the upset bid of a hometown favorite, beating former world champion Hetik CABOLOV (SRB) 6-4 to make the 74kg semifinals. Sidakov trailed 3-2 going into the second period when he scored a takedown with just under two minutes left. Cabolov gets a stepout, but he still trails on criteria. Sidakov seals the deal with a late stepout for the win.

15:45: Kyle DAKE (USA) survives a scare in his bid to defend his 74kg title, scoring a stepout with 27 seconds left to go ahead en route to a 6-4 win over Daichi TAKATANI (JPN). Takatani gained a 4-point move off a lift-up-and-dump in the first period, and that kept him ahead on criteria when Dake tied the score in the second period. A late but futile challenge added the final point. 

15:45: If you need any more surprises! Georgios KOUGIOUMTSIDIS (GRE) with a 4-3 win over Taimuraz SALKAZANOV (SVK) at 74kg! Kougioumtsidis had a 3-3 criteria lead but tried throwing Salkazanov in the final seconds. The referees gave Salkazanov two points as Kougioumtsidis fell on his back. But a challenge from Greece saw it overturned. Salkazanov's head had moved out first.

He will meet Turan BAYRAMOV (AZE) in the semifinals who survived a comeback from Soner DEMIRTAS (TUR) to win 5-4.

15:34: Stevan MICIC (SR) pulls off the biggest surprise of the day, much to the thrill of the hometown crowd, when he overcomes a five-point deficit in the last 40 seconds, scoring the winning takedown at the buzzer to stun Olympic champion Zavur UGUEV (AIN) 9-7 in their 57kg quarterfinal.

15:30: Arsen HARUTYUNYAN (ARM) stunned Rei HIGUCHI (JPN) with a four to start and then transitioned into a leg lace but Higuchi held on. Harutyunyan comes out leading 7-2. But Higuchi settles back and gets a takedown and gut to cut it to 7-6. A double from Higuchi for four and a lead of 10-7 at the break. A takedown to start the second period for Higuchi. Looks like Harutyunyan is out of steam. Higuchi with another four. He now leads 16-8. A takedown from Harutyunyan cut the lead to 16-10 with a minute to go. Two stepouts for the Armenian and it's 16-12. He adds another with a caution and Harutyunyan closes in with 16-14. Higuchi hangs on!

15:20: Osman NURMAGAOMEDOV (AZE), a bronze medalist last year, is trailing on criteria when he scores two takedowns in the final 40 seconds to upend Zahid VALENCIA (USA) 5-1 and secure a place in the 92kg semifinals. 

15:15: Miriani MAISURADZE (GEO) with a fall over Pruthviraj PATIL (UWW) to move into the 92kg semifinals. He will take on Arash YOSHIDA (JPN) who beats Gankhuyag GANBAATAR (MGL).

15:05: Akhmed USMANOV (AIN) takes the lead for the first time with a double-leg takedown with 45 seconds left, then gets a late one off a desperation leap in a 5-2 victory at 79kg over 2022 silver medalist Mohammad NOKHODI (IRI). Usamanov will face Orkhan ABASOV (AZE), a 9-3 winner over Chance MARSTELLER (USA), in the semifinals.

15:05: U23 world champion Vladimeri GAMKRELIDZE (GEO) worked hard for a 5-1 lead over Bolat SAKAYEV (KAZ) and kept attacking to finish the bout 7-1 and move into the semifinals against Vasyl MYKHAILOV (UKR). The Ukrainian came out all guns blazing against Akhsarbek GULAEV (SVK) and won the quarterfinal 5-2

14:54: Defending 74kg champion Kyle DAKE (USA) comes out like gangbusters against two-time Asian champion Nurkozha KAIPANOV (KAZ), bulldozing to a 9-0 first-period lead. But he takes his foot off the gas in the second and gives up four points, but he's into the quarterfinals with a 9-4 win. He will face Daichi TAKATANi (JPN), whose older brother Sohsuke he defeated at the 2018 World Cup.

14:35: Stevan MICIC (SRB) was up 5-0 at the break and added another takedown in the second period against Gulomjon ABDULLAEV (UZB) to win 7-2 at 57kg. Top win for Micic there

14:25: Arsen HARUTYUNYAN (ARM) will get a chance to avenge his quarterfinal loss from last year at 61kg to Rei HIGUCHI (JPN), and in the same round, after he mauled Vladimir EGOROV (MKD) 11-0 at 57kg.

14:18: Two Olympic champions, Zavur UGUEV (AIN) and Zaurbek SIDAKOV (AIN), both won by the same score in back-to-back matches on Mat B to advance to the quarterfinals. Uguev takes out Zanabazar ZANDANBUD (MGL) 6-0 at 57kg, then Sidakov scores three takedowns to beat Yones EMAMI (IRI) by the same score at 74kg. 

14:15: Arash YOSHIDA (JPN), on his world debut, beats Vladislav VALIEV (AIN) 7-0 at 92kg. What a start for the teenager. Valiev was a 2019 European champion.

14:05: Zelimkhan ABAKAROV (ALB) with a strong arm throw and gets a four over AMAN (UWW). He gets to a leg lace and an 11-0 win over Aman at 57kg.

14:00: Rei HIGUCHI (JPN) continues to use his low single to maximum effect, advancing to the 57kg quarterfinals by scoring a pair of stepouts and a takedown in the first period and holding off any attacks in a 4-0 victory over Wanhao ZOU (CHN).

13:55: Both returning bronze medalists at 92kg, Osman NURMAGOMEDOV (AZE) and Miriani MAISURADZE (GEO), with technical superiority win. The Georgian wins over Rustam SHODIEV (UZB) while the Azerbaijan wrestler wins over Denys SAHALIUK (UKR).

13:50: Chance MARSTELLER (USA), who had to beat former world and Olympic champion Jordan BURROUGHS (USA) just to make the U.S. team and get to Belgrade, scores three hard-fought takedowns in a 7-2 victory over Chems FATAIRIA (ALG) to advance to the 79kg quarterfinals. 

13:20: Zaurbek SIDAKOV (AIN) with a 3-0 win over Bekzod ABDURAKHAMANOV (UZB) at 74kg. An activity point and a takedown for Sidakov as he moves into the 1/8 finals

13:00: Turan BAYRAMOV (AZE) needed some time but he won 10-0 over Magomedrasul ASLUEV (BRN) at 74kg. He moves into the 1/8 finals

12:57: Gulomjon ABDULLAEV (UZB) with a technical superiority win over Gayan Kathurangana (SRI) as he warms up at 57kg. Next up on Mat D is Asian champion AMAN (UWW) against Igor CHICHIOI (MDA). He gets one takedown and a point for Chichioi's passivity to lead 3-0 at the break. He gets a figure-four and wins 11-2

12:55: Stevan MICIC (SRB) gets the crowd going as he wins at 57kg, a technical superiority over Gukhyeon KIM (KOR). He was a bronze medalist last year at 61kg.

12:52: Tokyo Olympic and two-time former world champion Zavur UGUEV (AIN) gets off to a roaring start at 57kg. He scores two quick takedowns against Levan METREVELI (ESP)  and after the second one, he applies an arm bar and levers the Spaniard over three times for a 10-0 win in 1:34.

12:49: An upset on Mat C as Niklas STECHELE (GER) scores a takedown with 30 seconds to go and defeats two-time world medalist Suleyman ATLI (TUR) 7-6 at 57kg.

12:35: Rei HIGUCHI (JPN), the 61kg champion last year who is on a mission to win the Olympic 57kg gold that he barely missed out on at Rio 2016, shows no mercy in pummeling Georgi VANGELOV (BUL) in a 10-0 victory in 1:10. Higuchi counters Vangelov's counter with legs and a cross-face to go up 4-0. When Vengelov squirms out, Higuchi goes to a tight lace lock and forces the three rolls he needs to end the match.

12:30: Arsen HARUTYUNYAN (ARM) with a 14-2 win over Simone PIRRODU (ITA) at 57kg. Seems like that leg lace has hurt Pirrodu as he limps off the mat

12:16: A thriller on Mat C puts Olympic silver medalist Magomedkhabib KADIMAGOMEDOV (AIN) out of the gold-medal chase. Georgis KOUGIOUMTSIDIS (GRE) scores a takedown and stepout off a subsequent scramble to go up 5-4 with 40 seconds left. But Kadimagomedov gets 2 off a counter lift with 7 seconds left, only to see the Greek scramble out and get a 2-point exposure with 2 seconds left for a dramatic 7-6 win.

12:10: Daichi TAKATANI (JPN) knocks off two-time world champion Frank CHAMIZO (ITA) 7-2 at 74kg! Chamizo scored two points but Takatani scored a takedown and a stepout. But he got on a double-leg and got the turn to win 7-2

12:05: Veteran Bekzod ABDURAKHMONOV (UZB) doesn't seem to have lost a step at 33 as he aims for his third world medal and first since 2018. The Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist uses his sweeping low singles to knock off Kamil RYBICKI (POL) with a comprehensive 12-1 technical fall at 74kg.

12:00: Zaurbek SIDAKOV (AIN) and Avtandil KENTCHADZE (GEO) in a rematch of the 2018 World Championships final on Mat D. Kentchadze is put on activity clock but fails to score. He manages a stepout and lead 1-1 at the break. Sidakov shoots for single leg in the second period but Kentchadze gets the cradle for four and a danger position gives Sidakov two points. Sidakov challenges the call but it holds. 6-3 lead for Kentchadze. Sidakov switches levels and gets a takedown to cut the lead to 6-5. And the Tokyo Olympic champion hits a double leg for takedown to take the 7-6 lead which he maintains for the end of the clock. What a start for Sidakov at 74kg.

11:45: Returning bronze medalist Arsalan BUDAZHAPOV (KGZ) has a tight bout against Tim MUELLER (GER) but manages to hang on for a 3-1 win. Budazhapov would hope to win a bronze again and qualify Kyrgyzstan for the Paris Olympics.

11:41: Arsen HARUTYUNYAN (ARM), a bronze medalist at 61kg the past two years, begins his foray at the Olympic weight of 57kg by overwhelming gritty Kamil KERYMOV (UKR). He fights off a whizzer for a takedown and a 14-3 technical fall with one tick left on the clock.

11:35: Vladislav VALIEV (AIN) warms up with a 10-0 win over Dan CHEPTAI (KEN) at 92kg. The 2019 European champion is a huge gold medal favorite

11:31: Amirali AZAPIRA (IRI), the two-time reigning world U23 champion at 97kg, gets Iran off to a winning start, gaining a driving takedown early in the second period to finish off an 11-0 technical fall over Woomin JANG (KOR) at 92kg. That sets up an Iran-USA clash with Zahid VALENCIA (USA) in the round of 16.

11:20: 2021 European champion Akhsarbek GULAEV (SVK) holds on to a 2-2 win over Gurbanmyrat OVEZBERDIYEV (TKM) in the 79kg opening bout. Both wrestlers did not stop their pace.

11:12: Consecutive matches at 79kg on Mat B show why coaches tell their athletes to fight to the end, no matter how badly they are losing. Shuhrat BOZOROV (TJK) trails Mihail GEORGIEV (BUL) 6-0 late in the second period, but scores a takedown, then uses a cross-face ride to secure a fall with 40 seconds left. Byambadorj BAT ERDENE (MGL) follows by spotting Peilong LI (CHN) an eight-point lead, then whittles it down before putting Li on his back and going ahead 10-8. Bat Erdene stops a last-ditch throw attempt and gains a fall in the final seconds.

10:55: Akhmed USMANOV (AIN) opens the action at 79kg by scoring a late stepout off a scramble to hold on for a 3-2 victory over European bronze medalist Ahmad MAGOMEDOV (MKD).

10:30: Big day of wrestling in front of us. Two Olympic weight classes, 57kg and 74kg, will be in action along with 79kg and 92kg, the two non-Olympic weight classes.

2026 Muhamet Malo

Muhamet Malo 2026 Wrestling Day 5 Results: Mammadli, Sargsian Win Gold

Sunday, March 1, 2026 - 08:36 By Vinay Siwach

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TIRANA, Albania (March 1) -- European champion Nihat MAMMADLI (AZE) claimed gold medal at the Muhamet Malo Ranking Series in Tirana at 60kg after a 1-1 victory over compatriot Nihad GULUZADE (AZE) in the final.

Mammadli had to defend two passivity calls against him in the second period. The 2024 world champion did not give any points when he was put in par terre during those calls.

He held the criteria in the match, thanks to the new Greco-Roman rule in which if the bout 1-1 due to the passivity calls, the wrestler who gets the first point will be the winner.

At 97kg, world silver medalist Artur SARGSIAN (UWW) claimed the gold medal after world bronze medalist Kiryl MASKEVICH (UWW) defaulted via injury. But before the final, Sargsian had to go through Olympic bronze medalist Uzur DZHUZUPBEKOV (KGZ) in the quarterfinals and then Amirreza MORADIYAN (IRI) in the semifinals.

Against Dzhuzupbekov, Sargsian scored a takedown and then lifted the Kyrgyzstan wrestler and slammed back first for four points. He got the par terre in the second period and turned Dzhuzupbekov close to the edge to complete a 9-0 win.

He then forged a 3-2 win over Moradiyan in semis, He 1-1 on criteria before Moradiyan got whizzed for four points by Sargsian. Iran challenged the call and won but it only changed the score to 3-1. Moradiyan scored a stepout but it was too little too late.

Emin SEFERSHAEV (UWW)Emin SEFERSHAEV (UWW) sets up a throw on Rashad MAMMADOV (AZE) during the 60kg final. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

European champion at 55kg Emin SEFERSHAEV (UWW) battled it out against Rashad MAMMADOV (AZE) and come out on top, 3-1, in the final.

In a very close bout, Mammadov, a U23 world and senior European silver medalist in 2024, got the first par terre a position but failed to score any points.

When Sefershaev got the position in the second period, he lifted Mammadov towards the edge before a half-hearted throw. It was scored one point for stepout for Sefershaev and Azerbaijan promptly challenged that call as Mammadov fell on top of Sefershaev.

But on review, it was clear that Mammadov's more than half body went outside the zone and he landed his hands outside first which was the basis of the one point for stepout. The lost challenge made Sefershaev's score 3-1.

He will now be defending his European title in the same arena in Tirana, Albania come April.

In the 130kg weight class, Murat KAMPAROV (UWW) emerged as the gold medal winner after he defeated Konsta MAEENPAEAE (FIN), 5-0, in the final.

He scored a turn from par terre in the first period to lead 3-0 at the break, Maeenpaeae, hoping to get the par terre call in the second period, began the second period with some furious attacks but lost his balance.

Kamparov capitalized on it and scored a takedown on the edge for a 5-0 lead, which turned out to be the winning score of the final.

Javad REZAEI (IRI)Javad REZAEI (IRI) hits a four-point throw on Hojat REZAEI (IRI) during the 72kg final. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Amirreza Aliasgari)

Iran Wins 2 Golds

Iran won two gold medals to open its account in Tirana.

At 72kg, in an-all Iranian final, 2021 U23 world champion Javad REZAEI (IRI) got the better of Hojat REZAEI (IRI), 7-3, in the final.

Hojat was put in par terre in the first period and Mohammad scored two suplex throws of four points each to finish the final 9-0. However, Hojat challenged the call and the second throw was only scored two points after the review, changing the score to 7-0.

In the second period, Hojat was put awarded the passivity call and he got on board with a point. As he was trying to work a move, Mohammad committed a defensive foul which added two more points to Hojat's score.

However, Hojat did not score any action points during the bout and Mohammad was happy to defend his lead and win the gold medal.

The second gold medal for Iran was won by debutant Amin HOSSEINI (IRI) who defeated world fifth-placer Adlet TIULIUBAEV (UWW), 6-2, in the 82kg final.

Tiuliubaev failed to score any points from par terre in the first period but held criteria 1-1 lead when Hosseini got the par terre in the second period.

However, Tiuliubaev committed a defensive leg foul during Hosseini's left and was docked two points which gave Hosseini a 3-1 lead. Tiuliubaev challenged the foul call but it was confirmed and he lost another point. Though Hosseini did not score any points from position he held a comfortable 4-1 lead.

With 17 seconds left, Tiuliubaev scored a stepout to cut the lead to 4-2 but he then committed a headbutt, perhaps out of frustration of losing, which gave Hosseini two more points and swelled the Iranian's score to 6-2.

The weight class also had world champion Akzhol MAKHMUDOV (KGZ) and Olympic silver medalist Demeu ZHADRAYEV (KAZ). But both went medalless after losing in the quarterfinals to Tunjay VAZIRZADE (AZE) and Kamal BEY (USA), respectively.

Photo

RESULTS

55kg
GOLD: Emin SEFERSHAEV (UWW) df. Rashad MAMMADOV (AZE), 3-1

BRONZE: LALIT (IND) df. Arsen ZHUMA (KAZ), via fall (9-0)
BRONZE: Marlan MUKASHEV (KAZ) df. Vishvajit MORE (IND), 12-12

60kg
GOLD: Nihat MAMMADLI (AZE) df. Nihad GULUZADE (AZE), 1-1

BRONZE: Sadyk LALAEV (UWW) df. Azatjan ACHILOV (TKM), 7-1
BRONZE: Suner KONUNOV (UWW) df. Maxwell BLACK (USA), 1-1

72kg
GOLD: Mohammad REZAEI (IRI) df. Hojat REZAEI (IRI), 7-3

BRONZE: Iuri LOMADZE (GEO) df. Ruslan NURULLAYEV (AZE), 7-4
BRONZE: Razzak BEISHEKEEV (KGZ) df. Almatbek AMANBEK (KAZ), via fall

82kg
GOLD: Amin HOSSEINI (IRI) df. Adlet TIULIUBAEV (UWW), 6-2

BRONZE: Iraklii KALANDIIA (UWW) df. Tunjay VAZIRZADE (AZE), via fall (11-1)
BRONZE: Viktor NEMES (SRB) df. Kamal BEY (USA), 2-0

97kg
GOLD: Artur SARGSIAN (UWW) df. Kiryl MASKEVICH (UWW), via inj. def.

BRONZE: Alex SZOKE (HUN) df. Giorgi MELIA (GEO), via inj. def.
BRONZE: Uzur DZHUZUPBEKOV (KGZ) df. Amirreza MORADIYAN (IRI), 4-2

130kg
GOLD: Marat KAMPAROV (UWW) df. Konsta MAEENPAEAE (FIN), 5-0

BRONZE: Elias KUOSMANEN (FIN) df. Beka KANDELAKI (AZE), 3-0
BRONZE: Dzmitry ZARUBSKI (UWW) df. Jello KRAHMER (GER), via fall (7-0)

Morning Session Highlights

15:50: 130kg semifinals - Murat KAMPAROV (UWW) will take on Konsta MAEENPAEAE (FIN) in the 130kg final after he defeated Beka KANDELAKI (AZE), 1-1. Maeenpaeae scored a quick 8-0 victory over Dzmitry ZARUBSKI (UWW) in the other semifinal.

15:40 - 97kg semifinals - World silver medalist Artur SARGSIAN (UWW) moves into the final with a 3-2 victory over the very impressive Amirreza MORADIYAN (IRI). Sargsian held only a 1-1 criteria lead before Moradiyan got whizzed for four points from Sargsian. Iran challenged the call and won but it only changed the score to 3-1. Moradiyan scored a stepout but it was too little too late. Sargsian will face world bronze medalist Kiryl MASKEVICH (UWW) in the final after he scored a electric 7-1 win over Giorgi MELIA (GEO).

15:25: 82kg semifinals - Amin HOSSEINI (IRI) beats Kamal BEY (USA), 7-0, at 82kg after scoring a four-pointer in the first period and then a takedown in the second. He will face Adlet TIULIUBAEV (UWW) for the gold medal after he held off Tunjay VAZIRZADE (AZE), 4-1, with all points being non-action points. Tiuliubaev led 2-1 when he scored a stepout from par terre in the second period. Vazirzade challenged the call and asked for two points for himself but lost it. Tiuliubaev scored a stepout to extend his lead to 4-1. A failed attempt from Vazirzade sees him being slammed on the mat as Tiuliubaev wins 6-1

15:10: 72kg semifinals - An all-Iran final at 72kg after Javad REZAEI (IRI) wins his semifinals, 5-1, against Razzak BEISHEKEEV (KGZ). Rezaei scored two turns from par terre in the par terre and then did well to defend in the second. Beishekeev tried to do a flying squirrel but did not score any points. In the other semifinal, Hojat REZAEI (IRI) managed a controlled 7-3 victory over Ruslan NURULLAYEV (AZE) to enter the final.

14:55: 60kg semifinals - Nihad GULUZADE (AZE) books a place in the final after a thumping 8-0 victory over Sadyk LALAEV (UWW) at 60kg. He opened the scoring with a stepout before getting the par terre position to lead 2-0. Three gut-wrenches get the job done for him. He will face compatriot Nihat MAMMADLI (AZE) in the final after the European champion defeated Suner KONUNOV (UWW). Mammadli scored a stepout to lead 1-1 at the break, then got a takedown to start the second and extend the lead to 3-1. He defended the lead to win

14:40: 55kg semifinals - Emin SEFERSHAEV (UWW) enters the final after a dominant 10-1 victory over Vishvajit MORE (IND). He used two throws, a takedown and turn to score his points. He will face Rashad MAMMADOV (AZE) for the gold medal after he held off LALIT (IND), 6-5, in the other semifinal. Mammadov led 3-2 when Lalit got the par terre in the second period to lead 3-3 on criteria. He managed to score two points for exposure but Mammadov got a reversal and completed a correct throw to lead 6-5, the winning score

14:20: Ali ILIASOV (UWW) must be gutted after that loss to Beka KANDELAKI (AZE). The U20 world champion scored a takedown and got a point for Kandelaki's passivity in the first period to lead 3-0. Kandelaki got the par terre in the second and after a long time on top, managed to turn Iliasov and lead 3-3 on criteria. With ample time left, Iliasov waited for his options before he managed to get behind Kandelaki and was about to lock his hands when the Azerbaijan wrestler flung him away from his back and was given two points. Iliasov challenged it and the 2 points were changed to 4 points which results in a 7-3 lead for Kandelaki. He won the quarterfinals at 130kg with the same score

14:00: World silver medalist Artur SARGSIAN (UWW) with a technical superiority win over Olympic bronze medalist Uzur DZHUZUPBEKOV (KGZ) at 97kg. Sargsian scored a takedown and then lifted Dzhuzupbekov and slammed him back first for four points and a 6-0 lead. He gets the par terre in the second period and turn close to the edge to complete a 9-0 win.

13:50: Nihat MAMMADLI (AZE) blanks Yerbol KAMALIYEV (KAZ), 6-0, at 60kg. He scored two turns from par terre in the first period to lead 5-0 and then again got a stepout early in the second period to win 6-0

13:45: Kiryl MASKEVICH (UWW) with an 1-1 victory over Alex SZOKE (HUN) at 97kg. Maskevich got the criteria since he received par terre advantage in the first period against Szoke, who won the Zagreb Open three weeks ago.

13:35: Tunjay VAZIRZADE (AZE) stuns Akzhol MAKHMUDOV (KGZ) at 82kg. While Makhmudov did not give up any points when he was put in par terre in the first period, Vazirzade scored four points via a body throw in the second to lead 5-0. That also made him avoid being called passive in the second period. Makhmudov with a late takedown but Vazirzade wins 5-2

13:20: Kamal BEY (USA) with an upset win over Olympic silver medalist Demeu ZHADRAYEV (KAZ) at 82kg. Zhadrayev was leading 3-1 but Bey with a drag and takedown to lead 3-3 on criteria with 20 seconds left to win and advance to the next round.

13:00: Beka KANDELAKI (AZE) scores three turns from par terre and then holds off Alimkhan SYZDYKOV (KAZ) to win their 130kg 7-3. With Fardin HEDAYATI (IRI) pulling out due to health issues, Kandelaki is the favorite to win the gold here.

12:50: U20 world champion Ali ILIASOV (UWW) downs Sarkhan MAMMADOV (AZE), 3-1, at 130kg with a two-point turn from par terre to win his first bout in Tirana. Can he go all the way here?

12:35: Olympic bronze medalist Uzur DZHUZUPBEKOV (KGZ) gets a four-pointer to start his bout at 97kg against Amanberdi AGAMAMMEDOV (TKM) and then scores two turns from par terre to complete a 9-0 victory.

12:20: World bronze medalist Kiryl MASKEVICH (UWW) completes a very cool and composed victory at 97kg over Iussuf MATSIYEV (KAZ). Maskevich defended when he was put in par terre in the first and then used a suplex in the second period to win 5-1 

12:14: World silver medalist Artur SARGSIAN (UWW) used a side suplex and gut-wrench exposure to score his 8-0 win over Michial FOY (USA) at 97kg. He takes only one minute and 50 seconds to advance to the next round.

12:12: World bronze medalist Murad AHMADIYEV (AZE) falls to Giorgi MELIA (GEO) at 97kg. Ahmadiyev had scored a point using a reversal to lead 2-1 but gave up a stepout with 22 seconds left which gave Melia the lead and the victory.

12:10: U20 world bronze medalist and one of the rare Greco talent from India SURAJ (IND) starts with a 3-1 victory over Dimitri KHACHIDZE (GEO) at 60kg. He got a turn in the first period from par terre while Khadhidze did not when he got par terre in the second period.

12:00: Vakhtang LOLUA (GEO) feels the heat at 60kg as Yerbol KAMALIYEV (KAZ) beats him 8-7. Kamaliyev got the par terre in the first period and he scored three turns using front chest-wrap. Lolua managed to block him once during the sequence and was awarded two points but the Kazakhstan wrestler lead 7-2 at the break.

Lolua got his chance in the second period and scored a turn. He scored the second as well but Kamaliyev never came in neutral position. Lolua challenges, asking for points for the second turn but he loses the challenge which gives Kamaliyev a 8-5 lead. Lolua did manage a takedown with 8 seconds left but still could not over turn the result. Georgia would think about that challenge considering it was evident Lolua did not get the second turn completely.

11:40: European champion Nihat MAMMADLI (AZE) begins with an 8-0 technical superiority over Maxwell BLACK (USA) at 60kg. He will in all likelihood get 55kg world champion Vakhtang LOLUA (GEO), who is moving up, next.

11:30: Demeu ZHADRAYEV (KAZ) finds a way to beat Dmitrii DZHIOEV (UWW) at 82kg. Dzhioev led 1-1, holding criteria when he was given the third par terre, which is without points, but fails to score and it is Zhadrayev, the Olympic silver medalist at 77kg, who scores and wins.

11:20: Former world champion Akzhol MAKHMUDOV (KGZ), up at 82kg, begins with a close win over Dias KALEN (KAZ). Makhmudov was cautioned when he committed a defensive leg four on Kalen in par terre, giving Kalen a 3-0 lead. Makhmudov then scored a stepout to get one points. When he was given the par terre in the second period, he turned Kalen to make it 4-3 and defended that score to win.

11:10: Almost two years after his last competition, Viktor NEMES (SRB) was just 20 seconds away from making a winning start. But, Amin HOSSEINI (IRI) comes out with a suplex for four points to beat the Serbian 5-2 at 82kg.

10:50: In the first top match of the day, world silver medalist Artur SARGSIAN (UWW) takes out Mahammad AHMADIYEV (AZE) at 97kg. Sargsian led only 3-2 at the break but he launched a big four-pointer at the start of the second period and led 7-2, all but making it out of reach for Ahmadiyev.

10:30: A big day ahead in Tirana with six Greco weight classes in action -- 55kg, 60kg, 72kg, 82kg, 97kg and 130kg.