#WrestleHangzhou

Asian Games Freestyle Preview: Tazhudinov, Yazdani in star-studded field

By Vinay Siwach

HANGZHOU, China (September 30) -- It’s rare that Hassan YAZDANI (IRI) is second best on the mat. It’s rarer that he isn’t the biggest star at a wrestling competition, that too in Asia.

But the Asian Games in Hangzhou is one such rare occasion when Yazdani has to take a back seat. It’s not because his form has deteriorated or he isn't the favorite in his weight class.

It's because a new star has taken the wrestling world by storm in the last two weeks.

WOMEN'S WRESTLING PREVIEW | GRECO-ROMAN PREVIEW

Akhmed TAZHUDINOV (BRN)20-year-old Akhmed TAZHUDINOV (BRN) is the newly-crowned world champion at 97kg. (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

Akhmed TAZHUDINOV (BRN) will have everyone glued to their screens as he competes two weeks after setting the World Championships ablaze, winning the 97kg gold medal in what was arguably the most thunderous run in recent times.

Beating Olympic champions Kyle SNYDER (USA) and Abdulrashid SADULAEV (AIN) in back-to-back matches, Tazhudinov became the first world champion from Bahrain and also qualified the nation for the Paris Olympics.

The 20-year-old will be under the limelight at the Lin’an Sports Culture and Exhibition Center, the venue for wrestling at the Asian Games which began September 23. Wrestling will take place from October 4 to 7 in the 18 Olympic weight classes.

Tazhudinov is one of the seven 2023 crowned world champions who will be in Hangzhou, hoping to win the gold medal. He is expected to capture gold without trouble but can have a rematch with Magomed IBRAGIMOV (UZB) and Mojtaba GOLEIJ (IRI).

Tazhudinov defeated Ibragimov in the World Championships and had a 13-8 win over Goleij in the Asian Championship, a tournament in which he won gold after beating Awusayiman HABILA (CHN) 11-0 in the final and the Chinese wrestler will be keen on avenging that loss if the two meet in Hangzhou.

38-year-old Ibragimov is a returning bronze medalist and will hope to add one more medal to his cabinet. Goleij, who lost to Sadulaev in a thriller at the World Championships, has to hope his gas tank holds on if he wants to win a medal.

For Kazakhstan, Alisher YERGALI (KAZ) is back at 97kg and can complicate the medal standings as a dark horse.

Yazdani, who has won six World and Olympic medals since his gold at the Jakarta Asian Games, will come to Hangzhou after his latest world silver medal. It will be key for Yazdani to have recovered both physically and mentally after another grueling final match against David TAYLOR (USA).

The Rio Olympic champion has not lost to a wrestler not named Taylor at 86kg and a loss in the Asian Games looks unlikely. However, a few will look to challenge him.

World bronze medalist Azamat DAULETBEKOV (KAZ) has the potential to push the Iranian and the Kazakhstan wrestler has shown in the past that he is improving consistently. Kazakhstan will put a lot of hopes on Dauletbekov to end their gold-medal drought as the country last won a Freestyle title at the Asian Games in 1994, its only gold. The 2018 Games saw Kazakhstan win four silver and six bronze medals.

Former world silver medalist Deepak PUNIA (IND) will be back in action at 86kg after a long time. Punia has not been in the thick of things since finishing fifth at the Tokyo Olympics. Another Tokyo fifth Javrail SHAPIEV (UZB) will be competing at his first Asian Games. He finished fifth at the World Championships after suffering a last-second loss to Dauletbekov in the bronze-medal bout. He will be a big medal contender in Hangzhou.

Bat-Erdene BYAMBASUREN (MGL) finished seventh at the World Championships but will look to make his mark at the Asian Games. For Korea, Gwanuk KIM (KOR) won a bronze medal in 2014 but missed out in 2018.

Amir Hossein ZARE (IRI)World champion Amir Hossein ZARE (IRI) is the favorite to win gold at 125kg. (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

Yazdani and Goleij are not the only members of Iran’s World Championships team on this trip. World champion Amir Hossein ZARE (IRI), Rahman AMOUZAD (IRI) and Yones EMAMI (IRI) are also on the team as Iran looks to improve the gold medal bout. 57kg will be represented by Ebrahim KHARI (IRI) who defeated Alireza SARLAK (IRI) in a domestic trial to win the spot.

He will be high on confidence after he reclaimed the world title he lost to Taha AKGUL (TUR) in Belgrade. He will need it as he faces a few big names to win his first Asian Games gold medal.

2022 world silver medalist Lkhagvagerel MUNKHTUR (MGL) will be Zare’s biggest hurdle in Hangzhou. Munkhtur won the Asian Championships in April, a competition Zare skipped, to earn his first-ever Asian gold. If Zare needs to beat the big Mongolian, his underhook and active wrestling will be key as it will test Munkhtur’s conditioning.

Another test for Zare will be Yusup BATIRMURZAEV (KAZ) who was a takedown away from beating him at the Bolat Turlykhanov Cup in June 2022. He can trouble the Iranian again due to his strong gut-wrench which Zare can avoid by building an early lead.

37-year-old Aiaal LAZAREV (KGZ) returned to the mat in June after the Tokyo Olympics and reached the 1/16 finals at the World Championships. He will be at the Asian Games as a medal threat but will have to manage the younger wrestler who will beat him by fitness.

A consistent performer at the age levels, Khasanboy RAKHIMOV (UZB) has not been able to replicate that success at the senior. He will return to the mat after four months and can upset a few stars if he is at the top of his game. Sumit MALIK (IND) will hope to improve on his fifth-place finish from the 2018 edition and win his first Asian Games medal.

Bekzod ABDURAKHAMONOV (UZB)Bekzod ABDURRAKHOMOV (UZB) is the defending champion at 74kg. (Photo: UWW / Assem Shalgumbayeva)

At 74kg, both Emami and Bekzod ABDURAKHAMOV (UZB) will be disappointed to not win a medal or an Olympic qualification at the World Championships for Iran and Uzbekistan respectively. Both lost to eventual world champion Zaurbek SIDAKOV (AIN) and in repechage, Abdurkhamanov lost to Avantdil KENTCHADZE (GEO) in the repechage while Emami suffered a close loss to Hetik CABOLOV (SRB).

But at the Asian Games, Abdurakhamonov comes in as the defending champion. He won a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics and unsuccessfully tried switching to 86kg before moving back to 74kg as the Olympics near. His experience will be useful to beat the likes of Emami, a world bronze medalist from 2022.

The Iranian will back himself to beat Abdurakhamonov but it will be a close battle as the Uzbek is known for his strong defense as well.

Asian champion at 74kg, Darkhan YESSENGALI (KAZ) will look to spoil the party for both Emami and Abdurakhamonov. He will spearhead Kazakhstan's challenge to win the gold medal and end the drought.

Kirin KINOSHITA (JPN) was second to Yessengali at the Asian Championships and will be a big medal threat. Orozbek TOKTOMAMBETOV (KGZ), who has a few senior-level medals at 70kg, is moving up to 74kg for the Asian Games.

Returning bronze medalist Byunmin GONG (KOR) will have the responsibility of winning another medal for Korea. He lost to Kinoshita at the Asian Championships and later to Suldkhuu OLONBAYAR (MGL). But Mongolia has decided to send 2021 Asian bronze medalist Sumiyabazar ZANDANBUD (MGL) to Hangzhou.

Another defending champion coming to Hangzhou is Bajrang PUNIA at 65kg. The five-time world and Olympic medalist is returning to the mat after a year of absence. He has not competed since winning the bronze medal at the 2022 World Championships.

Punia will have to go through a minefield if he wants to defend his title from Jakarta. 2022 world champion Rahman AMOUZAD (IRI) will be at his first Asian Games and will start as the favorite being a two-time Asian champion. Joining Amouzad is Tulga TUMUR-OCHIR (MGL) who has improved considerably since finishing fifth at the 2019 World Championships.

Both Tumur Ochir and Amouzad are beasts with their underhooks and have managed to beat a few of the best wrestlers in the world with Amouzad beating Punia in the 2022 Asian final and then repeating as champion in 2023 defeating Tumur Ochir.

But Punia and Tumur Ochir can take confidence from the fact that Amouzad failed to win a medal at this World Championships and finished fifth. His conditioning for a six-minute bout appeared weaker than in previous years.

Abbos RAKHMONOV (UZB) is replacing Umidjon JALOLOV (UZB) from the initial squad after the latter got injured during the World Championships. Rakhmonov stunned Punia last year by beating the Indian in the final second of their Ranking Series bout.

U20 Asian champion Abdulmazhid KUDIEV (TJK), a recent transfer, is a big medal threat. He finished third at the Bishkek Ranking Series after losing to Tumur Ochir 4-0. 2019 U20 world champion Kaiki YAMAGUCHI (JPN) and 2021 world bronze medalist Alibek OSMONOV (KGZ) are also entered.

AMAN (IND)AMAN (IND) was the 57kg champion at the Asian Championships. (Photo: UWW / Assem Shalgumbayeva)

The 57kg weight class will see Asian champion AMAN hoping to repeat the golden performance in the Games. While he will be the favorite, Iran is sending Khari, Toshiro HASEGAWA (JPN) is a bronze medalist from 2021 Worlds at 61kg while China has Tokyo Olympian Minghu LIU (CHN), also a multiple-time Asian medalist, Kazakhstan is going with Asian bronze medalist Rakhat KALZHAN (KAZ) while Kyrgyzstan has young star Bekzat ALMAZ UULU (KGZ).

Aman is trying to fill the shoes of Tokyo Olympic silver medalist Ravi KUMAR who has been sidelined for more than a year due to injuries. He is currently under rehabilitation for an ACL injury.

India's first-ever U23 world champion Aman had a golden run at the Asian Championships, beating Rikuto ARAI (JPN), Wanhao ZOU (CHN) and Almaz SMANBEKOV (KGZ). But the Games come with different pressures. 

Former U23 world champion Hasegawa, who pinned Kumar to win that gold in 2018, will look to finally get a big medal at the senior level and the Asian Games could be his chance. A technically gifted wrestler, Hasegawa has not been able to find a firm footing at 57kg, mainly due to the weight cut.

If he wins the gold, it will not only be special for Hasegawa but for Japan as well. Japan has not had a Freestyle gold medal in the last two editions of the Asian Games. In fact, London Olympic champion Tatsuhiro YONEMITSU (JPN) is the only Freestyle wrestler from Japan to win gold since the 1994 edition. In the last 28 years, apart from Yonesmitsu, Daichi TAKATANI (JPN) is the only wrestler to reach the final. He lost to Punia in the 65kg final in 2018.

Liu was at the 2018 Asian Games and finished fifth. So he will be hoping to win a medal at the home Games and has all the class to do so as well.

#wrestlebishkek

Unheralded Gharehdaghi Stuns Olympic Champ Jamalov

By Ken Marantz & Vinay Siwach

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan (April 10) -- Unheralded Keyvan GHAREHDAGHI (JPN) weighed 76kg in the morning on Friday. But in the semifinal of the Asian Championships, he punched well above his weight, beating 74kg Olympic champion Razambek JAMALOV (UZB) at 79kg.

Making his international senior debut, Gharehdaghi upset Jamalov 4-3 to advance to the 79kg final. He used an effective shrug to set up two second-period takedowns in a turbo-charged match that featured a number of wild scrambles.

In the final one, Jamalov scored a stepout to pull within one point with :33 left. But the third-year student at Tokyo's Waseda University, whose father is Iranian, held off a final surge from Jamalov, with his legs sailing in the air during a sprawl.

"I didn't really think about a strategy," Gharehdaghi said. "I just wanted the opponent to feel that I was tough. I stayed aggressive and on the attack. In the second period, it was so hard I could hardly stand up."

Keyvan GHAREHDAGHI (JPN)Keyvan GHAREHDAGHI (JPN) battles it out witb Razambek JAMALOV (UZB) during the 79kg semifinal. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

While he defeated Jamalov, Gharehdaghi said he always admired the Olympic champion and he was glad that he could wrestle the Uzbekistan wrestler.

"I have admired him for a long time," he said. "More than winning or losing, I'm glad I could face him."

For the gold medal, the Japanese will face another unexpected finalist Sandeep MANN (IND) who completed a dominant 10-0 win over Somonjon IKROMOV (TJK) using three takedowns and two turns.

Arash YOSHIDA (JPN)Arash YOSHIDA (JPN) scores on Akhmed TAZHUDINOV (BRN) during the 97kg semifinal. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Amirreza Aliasgari)

Another Japan wrestler who denied an Olympic champion was Arash YOSHIDA (JPN) as he defeated Akhmed TAZHUDINOV (BRN) in the 97kg semifinals.

Defending champion Yoshida, who also has an Iranian father, broke Tazhudinov down with his relentless pressure and scored takedowns at will in the final minute. He built a 4-4 criteria lead at the break but Tazhudinov fired a takedown at the start of the second period to lead 6-4.

However, Yoshida scored two points for exposure in the next exchange. Bahrain challenged the call but lost it, giving one more point to Yoshida and extend his lead to 7-6. He added two quick stepouts to make it 9-6 before making it 11-0 with a go-behind takedown.

The two got in a scramble towards the end of the bout but it was Yoshida who managed to score a takedown and then turned Tazhudinov to make it 15-6, his winning score.

Yoshida will face world silver medalist Amirali AZARPIRA (IRI) in the final after the Iranian posted a danger-free 2-0 win over VICKY (IND). Azarpira, who is making his senior Asian debut, got an activity point in the first period, then, while on the activity clock himself, added a stepout point in the second period.

SUJEET (IND)SUJEET (IND) reached his first-ever Asian Championships final. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

In other semifinals, U23 world champion SUJEET (IND) set up final against world bronze medalist Umidjon JALOLOV (UZB) at 65kg. The two met in the U23 World Championships final last year in which Sujeet won 10-0.

65kg semifinals - SUJEET (IND) continues his hot start to the season by scoring three takedowns in the second period and defeating Russian-born Abdulmazhid KUDIEV (TJK) 7-2. Sujeet, winner of two Ranking Series events earlier this year, strikes first by scoring a stepout, but Kudiev comes back with a takedown while on the activity clock to take a 2-1 lead into the break. Sujeet then puts on an exhibition of how to perfectly set up and execute takedowns, scoring three in a row from the midway point of the second period. First, he gets in deep on a double-leg, then scores with a sweeping single, then goes back with the double-leg.

A rematch of the U23 World Championships final as Umidjon JALOLOV (UZB) enters the Asian Championships final after Sujeet does the same from other side. Jalolov beats Alibeg ALIBEGOV (BRN) 5-3 using a late takedown.

Ernazar AKMATALIEV (KGZ)Ernazar AKMATALIEV (KGZ) presents his case to referee after the semifinal against ABHIMANYOU (IND). (Photo: United World Wrestling / Amirreza Aliasgari)

At 70kg, Tulga TUMUR OCHIR (MGL) will face ABHIMANYOU (IND) after he defeated Sina KHALILI (IRI), 5-1. Abhimanyou stunned local hero and defending champion Ernazar AKMATALIEV (KGZ), 6-3.

70kg semifinals - Tulga TUMUR OCHIR (MGL) reached the final after a controlled 5-1 victory over U23 world silver medalist Sina KHALILI (IRI). Apart from the one point he got for Khalili's passivity, Tumur Ochir scored four stepouts in the second period to claim the victory and a shot at the gold medal.

Ernazar AKMATALIEV (KGZ) saw his title defense at 70kg end in confusion and tears when he fell 6-3 to ABHIMANYOU (IND). Abhimanyou was leading 3-3 on criteria in the second period when he got deep on a double-leg takedown. Akmataliev attempted a counter lift at the edge, and the referee originally awarded him a 4-point throw with 1:08 left. But upon discussion and without an official challenge, the score was changed to give the Indian a two-point takedown, which Akmataliev apparently did not realize. He never tried to attack in the final seconds, and was taken aback when he saw the scoreboard and dropped to the mat in despair. A challenge from Kyrgyzstan went nowhere and Abhimanyou, a 2024 bronze medalist, gave a sly grin over his unusual win.

Iran got a finalist at 57kg as Milad VALIZADEH (IRI) destroyed Fuga SASAKI (JPN), 11-0 and set up a final against Munkh Erdene BATKHUYAG (MGL) who defeated Abdymalik KARACHOV (KGZ), 4-1.

57kg semifinals - Milad VALIZADEH (IRI) became the first finalist of the Asian Championships in Bishkek for Iran. He countered Fuga SASAKI (JPN) multiple times to score two-point moves and completed an 11-0 victory. A lost challenge for Japan also added a point to his score.

Munkh Erdene BATKHUYAG (MGL) assured that he will improve on his bronze medal from last year, scoring three stepouts in a 4-1 victory over Abdymalik KARACHOV (KGZ). Batkhuyag took a 2-0 lead in the first period by scoring a stepout while Karachov was on the activity clock. In the second period, Karachov got an activity point to cut the gap to 1. But it was Batkhuyag who goes on the attack, and he chalked up two stepouts off driving single-leg takedown attempts. The 2023 world U23 bronze medalist then fended off Karachov's late attacks to finish up the victory.

Qualification Highlights

13:14: In the final match of the session, returning bronze medalist Sina KHALILI (IRI) books his place in the 70kg semifinals with a solid 10-3 victory over 2023 champion Sanzhar DOSZHANOV (KAZ). Khalili gains a takedown, then adds a "wishbone" roll, in which he locks his head between opponent's legs, then repeats the combination for an 8-0 lead. Doszhanov secures a stepout in the final seconds of the first period. In the second, the two trade takedowns and, beside temporary timeouts to stop a bloody nose, the Iranian goes through unscathed.

12:50: Razambek JAMALOV (UZB), competing for the first time since winning the 74kg gold at the Paris Olympics and undergoing two surgeries on his shoulder, is at his slippery best in besting defending champion Mahdi YOUSEFI (IRI) 5-2 in their 79kg quarterfinal. The Russian-born Jamalov constantly wiggles out of solid takedown attempts by Yousefi, limiting him to a pair of stepouts. Jamalov gets an activity point and stepout in the first period for a 2-1 lead. After cartwheeling out of a certain double-leg takedown by Yousefi, Jamalov connects with a single-leg shot while on the activity clock to go ahead, and an unsuccessful Iranian challenge puts him up 5-1. With time running out, Yousefi grabs a single leg and lifts it high in the air, but again he is forced to settle for a stepout.

12:37: World U23 champion SUJEET (IND), winner of two Ranking Series events this year, uses an ankle pick to great effect in cruising to a 10-0 victory over Rustamzhan KAKHAROV (KGZ) in 3:22 to advance to the 65kg semifinals. 

12:32: In the marquee match-up of the morning, Ernazar AKMATALIEV (KGZ) and Taishi NARIKUNI (JPN) did not disappoint. Narikuni blocked a front headlock from Akmataliev for two points and then turned him using a gut-wrench to lead 4-0. As he was trying to turn him again, Akmataliev blocks him and gets two points. A reversal from Narikuni makes it 5-2. He tries another gut-wrench to extend the lead to 7-2 but Akmataliev once again blocks him for two points and holds Narikuni for a pin. Narikuni flees out of bounds and is docked two points and asked to return in par terre. He escapes and gets a reversal point to lead 8-6. Akmataliev scores a takedown to make it 8-8 and take the criteria lead. Narikui with a desperate flying squirrel but Akmataliev slams him on the mat for four points. A stepout for Narikuni at the end but Akmataliev wins 12-9 at 70kg

12:31: World bronze medalist Arash YOSHIDA (JPN) gets a takedown and two stepouts in the first period of his 97kg quarterfinal against Bekzat URKIMBAY (KAZ), then needs less than a half-minute to get a snapdown takedown and two gut wrenches in the second for a 10-0 victory. Next up for him is a clash with Akhmed TAZHUDINOV (BRN).

12:26: Keyvan GHAREHDAGHI (JPN) fights out of a six-point hole against returning bronze medalist Suldkhuu OLONBAYAR (MGL) with a pair of late first-period takedowns, then goes on a 10-point rampage in the second period against his visibly winded opponent to grind out a 14-9 victory and advance to the 79kg semifinals.

12:23: World silver medalist and Olympic bronze medalist Amirali AZARPIRA (IRI) powers to five stepouts against Sherzod POYONOV (UZB), but ends their 97kg with a takedown with six seconds remaining for a 10-0 win. 

12:15: Milad VALIZADEH (IRI) with a 25-second 10-0 victory over ANKUSH (IND) at 57kg! What an anti-climatic finish to the match. He reaches the semifinal

12:00: World bronze medalist Umidjon JALOLOV (UZB) catches Zeneemeder BYAMBASUREN (MGL) by the leg and slams him on the mat. He holds him long enough to secure the fall and advance at 65kg.

11:57: Olympic and two-time Asian champion Akhmed TAZHUDINOV (BRN), aiming to break out of recent slump, begins his campaign at 97kg by taking a 5-0 lead over Gankhuyag GANBAATAR (MGL) then plodding to a 6-2 win that included giving up two late stepouts. 

11:56: Keyvan GHAREHDAGHI (JPN), another Japanese wrestler with Iranian roots who is making his first appearance on the senior national team, looks impressive in scoring four takedowns in a 9-1 victory over Daulet YERGESH (KAZ) to gain a place in the 79kg quarterfinals.

11:55: Abdulmazhid KUDIEV (TJK) ends Takara SUDA (JPN) attempt of winning a second straight Asian gold with a 9-0 victory. Kudiev scored two stepouts and one point for Suda's activity clock to lead 3-0 at the break. Three different takedowns helped him to clinch an important victory at 65kg.

11:51: A marquee matchup on Mat A between past and reigning champions at 70kg — with an intriguing twist. Taishi NARIKUNI (JPN), the 2022 world and Asian champion, scores two takedowns in the final minute for a come-from-behind 7-4 win over defending champion Viktor RASSADIN (TJK). Narikuni leads 1-0 off an activity point in the first period when Rassidin opens the second by twice coming out the back door for takedowns to lead 4-1. Narikuni strikes back with a single-leg takedown, and barely misses an exposure with an arm bar, leaving him still trailing. But he fights off whizzer to get behind for the go-ahead takedown with :19 left, then adds a gut wrench for good measure. Narikuni, who is also doing the Freestyle-Greco double here,  will be back on the mat tonight for his Greco 72kg bronze-medal match.  

11:37: U20 world champion Mahdi YOUSEFI (IRI) scored a takedown in the last minute to take a 6-5 lead against Feng LU (CHN) and win the bout at 79kg. Lu had a 5-4 lead after a reversal but Yousefi showed no signs of panicking, picking up a single-leg, head-outside takedown for the win. He gets to face 74kg Olympic champion Razambek JAMALOV (UZB)

11:35: A wild one on Mat B! Asian U23 bronze medalist Rustamzhan KAKHAROV (KGZ) gets the home crowd going by opening his 65kg match with Zagreb Open silver medalist Peyman NEMATI (IRI) with a stepout, then gets behind and throws the Iranian to the mat for a takedown and a 3-0 lead. Nemati responds with a stepout off an attempted back trip, and then another to cut the lead to one at the break. Nemati goes ahead 4-3 with a single-leg takedown to start the second period, but Kakharov fights off a whizzer for a stepout to regain the lead 4-4 on criteria. In a wild scramble in the final seconds, Kakharov picks up a 2-point exposure to come away with a 6-4 win.

11:26: Reigning Asian U23 champion and 2024 world U23 bronze medalist VICKY (IND) manages just a stepout and activity clock in the first period of his 97kg bout with Triloki YADAV (NEP), but breaks down his opponent's defenses in the second to gain his first takedown, then gains two exposures after a second for a 10-0 win. 

11:26: Reigning Asian U23 champion and 2024 world U23 bronze medalist VICKY (IND) manages just a stepout and activity clock in the first period of his 97kg bout with Triloki YADAV (NEP), but breaks down his opponent's defenses in the second to gain his first takedown, then gains two exposures after a second for a 10-0 win. 

11:25: Takara SUDA (JPN), who is moving up from 61kg, is saved up the buzzer in his opening bout at 65kg against Adi SERIKULY (KAZ). Suda scored a stepout before a scramble gave two points to each wrestler. With a 3-2 lead, Suda managed an easy takedown to extend it to 5-2. Serikuly managed to get his first takedown in the final 10 seconds to make it 5-4 but the time expired before he could score any more points. Kazakhstan challenged hoping the last turn was in time but that was not the case and Suda won 6-4

11:19: Sherzod POYONOV (UZB), the 92kg Asian silver medalist and world U20 champion in 2024, hands the home team an early defeat with an 8-2 win over Kanybek ABDULKHAIROV (KGZ) to advance to the 97kg quarterfinals.

11:14: Gankhuyag GANBAATAR (MGL), who is doing  the rare Freestyle-Greco double in Bishkek (he lost in the Greco 97kg quarterfinals), begins with a 3-0 win over Juhwan SEO (KOR) in their 97kg qualification-round match. Ganbaatar has a better shot at Freestyle, as he is a two-time past Asian bronze medalist who finished second at this year's Ranking Series tournament in Mongolia.