#WrestleAstana

Asian Championships, WW Day 3 finals set

By Ken Marantz & Vinay Siwach

ASTANA, Kazakhstan (April 11) -- After Iran's domination in Greco-Roman, it's time for women's wrestling and don't be surprised if you witness Japanese wrestlers winning most of their bouts. Five weight classes in action are 50kg, 55kg, 59kg, 68kg, and 76kg.

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The finals for the night are set

50kg
Jasmina IMMAEVA (UZB) vs Remina YOSHIMOTO (JPN)

55kg
Otgontuya CHINBOLD (MGL) vs. Qianyu PANG (CHN)

59kg
ZHUOMALAGA (CHN) vs. Yui SAKANO (JPN)

68kg
Ami ISHII (JPN) vs. NISHA (IND)

76kg
Elmira SYZDYKOVA (KAZ) vs. Aiperi MEDET KYZY (KGZ)

14:31: Elmira SYZDYKOVA (KAZ) thrilled the home crowd and assured herself of a seventh career Asian medal when the 2021 champion held on for a 6-4 victory over Juan WANG (CHN) to advance to the 76kg final. After scoring an activity point and takedown in the first period, Syzdykova padded the lead to 5-0 with a spin-behind takedown. But Wang came back with a stepout and fleeing penalty with 1:29 left, then scored a takedown with :10 on the clock to make it 5-4. Her efforts to turn Syzydykova failed, as did a challenge to get points that were not there.

14:25: Defending champion Aiperi MEDET KYZY (KGZ) moves into the final with a controlled 3-2 win over Mizuki NAGASHIMA (JPN). She got a 3-1 lead and did give up a late stepout but was aware that she won't be affected by that.

14:19: What a win for Nisha DAHIYA (IND) over Feng ZHOU (CHN) in the 68kg semifinal. Zhou led 6-3 after a scramble and had no business losing it but Dahiya got on a low double and Zhou lay flat to defend it. Dahiya then used two exposures from a lift to win 7-6. She will wrestle for gold against Ami ISHII (JPN)

14:16: World silver medalist Ami ISHII (JPN) survives a tough clash in the 68kg semifinals with 2021 world champion Meerim ZHUMANAZAROVA (KGZ), scraping out a 6-2 win. With the match limited to an activity point for Ishii in the first period, it opened up with Ishii on the clock when she got in on a low single. Zhumanazarova used a counter lift to turn Ishii over, but the Japanese twisted to expose her opponent's back, giving Ishii a 3-2 lead. She added a stepout, then spun behind for a takedown in the dying seconds. 

14:01: Yui SAKANO (JPN), making her senior Asian debut at 28, will get a chance to add to the U20 Asian titles she won in 2012 and 2014 when she barged into the 59kg final with a 10-0 technical fall over Diana KAYUMOVA (KAZ). Kayumova was working on a front headlock when Sakano lunged for a low ankle pick and scored a takedown. She then used an inner thigh pancake for 4, followed by a lace lock for an 8-0 lead. A low fireman's carry gave her another takedown and the victory in 3:27. 

14:00: ZHUOMALAGA (CHN) had a slow start to the semifinal against Kalmira BILIMBEK KYZY (KGZ) but she gets a 3-0 lead at the break. A stepout in the second period makes it 4-0. Bilimbek Kyzy gets a takedown to cut the lead to 4-2. She needs a takedown for the win. However, Zhuomalaga is solid in defense and avoids any last-second mishappenings. She wins 6-2

13:52: Qianyu PANG (CHN) denies Japan. She beats Rino KATAOKA (JPN) 6-1 to reach the final at 55kg. Pang, an Olympic silver medalist from Tokyo, was called passive which gave Kataoka a 1-0 lead. Pang scored a stepout just before the break and got another point for Kataoka's passivity in the second period. The Japanese tried tripping Pang, only to fall on her own back, giving up four points.

13:45: Otgontuya CHINBOLD (MGL) wastes little time in making the first major final of her career, storming to a quick 10-0 technical fall in the 55kg semifinals over 2019 bronze medalist Marina SEDNEVA (KAZ). Chinbold swept in for a takedown, then ripped off four consecutive rolls to end the match in 48 seconds. 

13:40: Two big four-point throws for Jasmina IMMAEVA (UZB) as she beats Miran CHEON (KOR) 8-1 in the semifinal. She will wrestle Remina YOSHIMOTO (JPN) for the gold.

13:36: Remina YOSHIMOTO (JPN) will get a shot at a second straight title after putting away NEELAM (IND) by fall in the 50kg semifinals. Yoshimoto scored three takedowns, and after the third one, secured an arm bar and levered Neelam over for the fall with :16 to spare in the first period.

13:01: Kalmira BILIMBEK KYZY (KGZ) scores 4 with a tackle to the back to complete an 11-0 technical fall over Sarbinaz JIENBAEVA (UZB) and clinch the top spot in round-robin Group A at 59kg. 

12:54: Six-time Asian medalist (and 2021 champion) Elmira SYZDYKOVA (KAZ) gets a pair of stepouts in the second period to finish off an 11-1 technical fall over Ozoda ZARIPBOEVA (UZ) in the 76kg quarterfinals. Syzdykova closed the first period with a takedown and two tilts for a 9-1 lead and was close to turning her opponent again to end the match when time ran out. She will face Juan WANG (CHN) for a place in the final. 

12:45: In a thriller on Mat C, NISHA (IND) scores a takedown with :14 left to notch a 10-10 victory over Delgermaa ENKHSAIKHAN (MGL) in the 68kg quarterfinals. Nisha was leading 8-2 when Enkhsaikhan locked her up in a cradle while countering a takedown attempt for 4, then went ahead with a pair of lace-lock rolls. 

12:45: Defending champion Aiperi MEDET KYZY (KGZ) is up against U17 world champion PRIYA (IND) but doesn't take much time for the win. A fall using the cradle in 43 seconds.

12:40: Ariunjargal GANBAT (MGL) was awarded a point for Mizuki NAGASHIMA (JPN) passivity in the first period. Nagashima tried to be more attacking in the second period but never got a hold of her throws. Ganbat got a takedown to lead 3-0. However, Nagashima with an absolute arm throw for four to lead 4-3. That remains the difference as Nagashima wins 4-3

12:35: Jasmina IMMAEVA (UZ), a bronze medalist a year ago at 50kg, is into the semifinals with a 10-0 technical fall over Yi Jing CHEN (TPE).  She will next face Miran CHEON (KOR).

12:30: Feng ZHOU (CHN), a two-time former Asian champion and two-time world medalist, puts up five points in the second period to secure an 8-2 victory over Firuza ESENBAEVA (UZB) and advance to the 68kg semifinals.

12:30: Ami ISHII (JPN), the world silver medalist from 2021, is returning after an injury break. She asserts her dominance with a 10-0 win over Yelena SHALYGINA (KAZ). As solid as you like.

12:28: Yui SAKANO (JPN), a 2017 world U23 gold medalist who could never seem to find a place on the national senior team, scores all of her points in the first period to defeat SARITA (IND) 6-1. She uses a barrel roll for the takedown, then adds a pair of gut wrenches. That gives Sakano two wins in her four-woman round-robin group.

12:20: NEELAM (IND) will face Remia YOSHIMOTO (JPN) after she pinned Ellada MAKHYADDINOVA (KAZ) in the 50kg quarterfinal. A tough test for Neelam against the defending champion

12:18: Defending champion Remina YOSHIMOTO (JPN) is into the 50kg semifinals with a 10-2 win over 2019 world U23 silver medalist Ziqi FENG (CHN). Yoshimoto gets a pair of takedowns in the first period for a 4-0 lead. In the second, Feng uses a counter lift off a takedown attempt for 2, but when she tries another, Yoshimoto steps over for 2. The Japanese adds two late takedowns to top off the win.

12:08: Rino KATAOKA (JPN) earns a shot at Pang in the 55kg semifinals, finishing off an 11-0 technical fall of her own over Aruuke KADYRBEK KYZY (KGZ) with a 2-on-1 to a single leg takedown. 

12:02: Tokyo Olympic silver medalist Qianyu PANG (CHN), looking to add to the Asian gold she won in 2016, begins with an 11-0 technical fall over Shokhida AKHMEDOVA (UZB) to make the semifinals at 55kg.

12:00: Bolortuya KHURELKHUU (MGL) and ZHUOMALAGA (CHN), both of whom have lost their Round 1 bouts, are on Mat A. Khurelkhuu with a two and two but a reversal from Zhuomalaga. Khurelkhuu leads 4-1. She tries a one-on-two to trip but Zhuomalaga survives and gets the takedown to make it 4-3. Zhuomalaga is definitely tiring her out. She now has built a 6-4 lead. She eventually wins with the same score.

12:00: Up-and-coming PRIYA (IND), the world U17 champion and world U20 silver medalist last year, gets a first-period takedown then holds on for a 2-1 victory over Hui Tsz CHANG (TPE) in the qualification round at 76kg.

11:40: Defending champion and former world gold medalist Remina YOSHIMOTO (JPN) begins her campaign at 50kg with a quick 10-0 technical fall over Namuuntsetseg TSOGT OCHIR (MGL). The rematch of the 2022 final in Mongolia lasted just 1:16.

11:30: The women take the mat today in 50kg, 55kg, 59kg, 68kg and 76kg weight classes. Defending champions in action will be Remina YOSHIMOTO (JPN) at 50kg and Aiperi MEDET KYZY (KGZ) at 76kg.

#WrestleTirana

Muhamet Malo 2025 Ranking Series Freestyle Finals

By Vinay Siwach

TIRANA, Albania (February 26) -- The second Ranking Series of 2025, Muhamet Malo, is underway in Tirana, Albania. Kicking off with Freestyle, six weight class will be held on day one -- 57kg, 61kg, 65kg, 70kg, 74kg and 86kg

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15:30: Chandler MARSTELLER (USA) and Bolat SAKAYEV (KAZ) enter the 86kg final after contrasting wins. Marsteller controlled his way to a 4-0 win over Sebastian JEZIERZANSKI (POL) while Sakayev hangs on for a 4-4 criteria win over Tariel GAPHRINDASHVILI (GEO).

15:20: Chermen VALIEV (ALB) finds a way to beat Yones EMAMI (IRI) 8-3 in the 74kg semifinal. A big armthrow for two points for Valiev which he challenged to ask for four points. Emami with a takedown to lead 3-2 at break. But Valiev switches levels in the second period with six points including a takedown and gut wrench to win 803. He will face Taimuraz SALKAZANOV (SVK) in the final. Salkazanov will be aiming for his second straight Ranking Series gold medal after he defeated Magoma DIBIRGADZHIEV (UWW) 5-0 in the other semifinal. Two takedowns in his win.

15:15: Vazgen TEVANYAN (ARM) blanks Akaki KEMERTELIDZE (GEO) 6-0 to enter the 70kg final. He will take on Asian silver medalist Yoshinosuke AOYAGI (JPN) who hangs on for a 2-1 win over James GREEN (USA) despite Green's multiple efforts to score. Aoyagi with some sneaky defense.

15:05: Rahman AMOUZAD (IRI) is into another Ranking Series final but not without a fight. Real WOODS (USA) had him in trouble in the first period with a takedown but Amouzad kept the pace of the bout and score seven stepouts, two takedowns and a point for Woods fleeing to win 13-2

Amouzad will face Taiyrbek ZHUMASHBEK UULU (KGZ) in the final after the Kyrgyz beat Kaisei TANABE (JPN) 14-3 in the other semifinal. Zhumashbek led 1-1 on criteria but was put on activity clock again but he scored two points via attempted suplex. Tanabe blocked his second throw attempt and scored two. Tanabe challenged but there was no change in scoring and it gave Zhumashbek Uulu another point. A takedown later, Zhumashbek led 8-3 before he finished the bout with another throw for four and turn for two.

14:50: Takara SUDA (JPN), making his international debut at senior level, blanks Artem GOBAEV (UWW) 9-0 in the 61kg semifinals. After leading 3-0, Suda with a huge suplex for four and two stepouts to win 9-2. He will take on Nachyn MONGUSH (UWW) in the final who beat Stilyan ILIEV (BUL) 7-1 in the other semifinal.  

14:40: Ali Hossein MOMENI (IRI) takes out Almaz SMANBEKOV (KGZ) 6-2 in the first semifinal of 57kg. Huge win for Momeni who will now take on Aiaal BELOLYUBSKII (TJK) who just became the first Tajik wrestler to reach a Ranking Series final after beating Sultan KURMANALIYEV (KAZ) 10-4.

14:10: Cherman VALIEV (ALB) sets up a 74kg semifinal against Yones EMAMI (IRI) after a 5-1 win over Orozobek TOKTOMAMBETOV (KGZ). Valiev was down 1-1 on criteria but he gets on Toktomambetov's leg and blocks a chest wrap for two points. A gut wrench gives him two more as he settles for a 5-1 win.

14:00: Rahman AMOUZAD (IRI) continues to be solid his underhook game and U23 world silver medalist Kaiji OGINO (JPN) found no way to break that grip. Amouzad posts a 4-0 win and marches into the semifinals at 65kg.

13:53: Taiyrbek ZHUMASHBEK UULU (KGZ) with a front headlock exposure over Bilol SHARIP UULU (KGZ) with two seconds remaining in the 65kg quarterfinal to win 3-2. Sharip Uulu challenges but the move was in time. One more point for Zhumashbek Uulu to make it 4-2 

13:45: Vazgen TEVANYAN (ARM) will be upset with himself for not attacking from the word go but he manages to survive a huge upset against Vasile DAICON (MDA). Daicon was leading 2-0 when Tevanyan made desperate attempts to score. He gets a stepout and Daicon a fleeing caution to give Tevanyan a 2-2 criteria lead. Daicon challenges the call but the original fleeing decision is confirmed. A lost challenge added to Tevanyan's score who wins 3-2

13:40: Yoshinosuke AOYAGI (JPN) blanks William LEWAN (USA) 11-0 at 70kg. The Asian silver medalist is likely to go all the way and has looked in stunning form this tournament. James GREEN (USA) waits next in the semifinals.

13:25: Nachyn MONGUSH (UWW) looks very good at 61kg. He rolls to an 11-0 win over Daviti ABDALADZE (GEO). Arten GOBAEV (UWW) wins his bout as well and a Mongush vs Gobaev final looks inevitable at 61kg.

13:05: Chermen VALIEV (ALB) was with unreal speed in his attacks as Narek HARUTYUNYAN (ARM) fails to stop him and Valiev wins 9-0 in his first bout at 74kg. Valiev retuning to the mat since his bronze medal in Paris.

12:50: Big upset on Mat A as Bilol SHARIP UULU (KGZ) beats U23 world champion Ibragim IBRAGIMOV (UWW) 14-4 at 65kg. Ibragimov was leading 4-2 but Sharip Uulu with a traparm gut-wrench and 12 straight points to claim victory.

12:40: Islam DUDAEV (ALB) faces a tough one in Kaisei TANABE (JPN). Dudaev with a cut-back using his hands but it is scored two points each with Dudaev leading on criteria. Tanabe with a takedown and gut wrench to make it 8-2. Dudaev scores to cut the lead to 8-4 at the break. Dudaev continues his comeback with another takedown and is now down 8-6 with 45 seconds remaining. Tanabe throws himself on the mat once Dudaev gets to his leg and Dudaev scores a takedown to lead 8-8 on criteria. Dudaev on the legs, Tanabe sitting in the final few seconds and Tanabe scores exposure to win 10-8 just within time.

12:30: Rahman AMOUZAD (IRI) with a underhook masterclass in his bout against Goderdzi DZEBISASHVILI (GEO). He scores two stepouts and then gets an activity point. A stunning takedown to lead 5-0 at the break. He adds two more takedowns in the second period, and a throw for four to win 13-0 with around two minutes remaining.

12:20: Nachyn KUULAR (KAZ), a former U23 world champion, is turning up for Kazakhstan at 70kg. This is his first UWW event in six years. He takes on Vasile DAICON (MDA) in the 1/8 final. Kuular put on activity clock and Daicon leads 1-0 at the break. Daicon with a single leg attack and converts it into a takedown for a 3-0 lead. He adds another takedown with a minute remaining to lead 5-0. Leg lace on Kuular and Daicon wins 11-0. Kuular's comeback ends in unfortunate way.

12:00: Vazgen TEVANYAN (ARM) got two activity points and a takedown as he beats Mihail GEORGIEV (BUL) 4-0 at 70kg. He is wrestling a weight class up than his preferred 65kg.

 

11:45: Artem GOBAEV (UWW) has no trouble seeing off Meirambek KARTBAY (KAZ) at 61kg. In the next UWW vs KAZ bout at 61kg, Nachyn MONGUSH (UWW) with two takedowns in his 4-0 win over Mukhamed BALGABAY (KAZ).

11:25: Ali Hossein MOMENI (IRI) and Hadi REZAEI (IRI) were clubbed together in the opening round of 57kg and Momeni comes out unscathed 6-1. Rezaei with a desperate headlock throw in the final seconds but is awarded only two. He challenges for a four but loses the challenge. Momeni's win revised to 7-3

11:20: Asian champion Kento YUMIYA (JPN) was stuck in a leg lace and fell behind 14-6 against Manvel KHNDZRTSYAN (ARM) at 57kg. But he unleashes a leg lace on Khndzrtsyan and cuts to score to 14-10. A stepout to make it 14-11. Underhook dense till the end of the time by Khndzrtsyan and he wins 14-11.

11:10: At 74kg, Tajmuraz SALKAZANOV (SVK) with a 2-1 win over Murad KURAMAGOMEDOV (HUN). All three points scored were activity points!

11:00: Paris Olympic bronze medalist Islam DUDAEV (ALB) up against Klevisi PRECI (ALB) and he impresses with a 12-0 blanking of his compatriot. Dudaev looked on the mat with

10:40: A little warm up for Rahman AMOUZAD (IRI) but he manages to post a controlled 7-0 win over Nursultan SDYK (KAZ) at 65kg. Soon after, Adlan ASKAROV (KAZ) with a thrilling 8-7 win over Agustin DESTRIBATS (ARG).

10:30: Welcome to Tirana for the second Ranking Series of the year. Rahman AMOUZAD (IRI), the Olympic silver medalist from Paris, is up on the mat straightaway.