Borrero Caps Amazing Run to Greco 67kg Title by Dethroning Surkov

Monday, September 16, 2019 - 18:34 By Ken Marantz

NUR-SULTAN, Kazakhstan (Sept. 16) --- Ismael BORRERO (CUB) had one last world champion to vanquish, and this one happened to be the reigning one. Now it’s the Cuban who occupies the throne again going into an Olympic year.

Borrero, the Rio 2016 Olympic champion, capped a spectacular run at the World Championships by capturing the Greco-Roman 67kg title with a 3-1 victory in the final over defending champion Artem SURKOV (RUS).

The victims that Borrero left in his wake en route to the gold reads like a Who’s Who of the weight class – three-time world champion Frank STAEBLER (GER), two-time champion and Olympic medalist RYU Hansu (KOR), and rising star Mohamed ELSAYED (EGY).

“So many champions…I wrestled with focus and tried my best to win,” said the 27-year-old Borrero, who lost in the third round at last year’s World Championships in Budapest.

The final offered little respite in the form of Surkov. But Borrero was up to the task, scoring a 2-point exposure in the par terre position in the first period, then holding off Surkov’s attempts when he was placed on bottom in the second period.

“I’m a lot stronger this year than the last two years,” Borrero said. “I’ve worked on some techniques, but mostly on my strength. The strength is important because of the bigger weight.”

Borrero won his last world championship at 59kg in 2015, then followed that by taking home the gold the following year from the Rio Olympics. That’s a pattern he would like to repeat at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

“It was very important [to win tonight],” he said. “I’ve been a champion at 59[kg] and now I’m champion at 67.”

Zhan BELENIUK (UKR) improved on his 2018 world silver medal by edging Viktor LORINCZ (HUN), 2-1, in the 87kg finals. (Photo: Kadir Caliskan)

Like Borrero, Zhan BELENIUK (UKR) regained the world title he last won in 2015, as the 2018 silver medalist moved back to the top of the podium at 87kg by grinding out a 2-1 win over Viktor LORINCZ (HUN).

“It was a difficult match because Viktor Lorincz is a very strong guy,” Beleniuk said. “It was a very hard match for me and I’m so happy I could win because I worked so hard to get first place.”

All points in the final were scored for passivity, and Beleniuk received the decisive second one in the second period to defeat Lorincz, a two-time world bronze medalist in 2013-14. Earlier in the session, Lorincz saw older brother Tamas advance to Tuesday’s final at 77kg.

With the top six wrestlers in each of the Olympic weight classes earning spots for their country at Tokyo 2020, Beleniuk set a minimum goal of clinching a spot. The “maximum,” naturally, was winning the world gold.

But that wasn’t the only reason he wanted to capture the title. Beleniuk has been serving as a deputy to Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, advising him on sports matters, and there has been criticism of his splitting time between his government position and his preparation for the world championships.

“In Ukraine, some people criticize me [about the two roles], so it was very important to win here and show the people that I can do both,” said Beleniuk, a silver medalist at both Budapest 2018 and Rio 2016.

Musa EVLOEV (RUS) won his second consecutive world title with an injury default over Artur ALEKSANYAN (ARM) in the 97kg finals.(Photo: Tony Rotundo)

Meanwhile, Musa EVLOEV (RUS) retained his world title at 97kg without having to break a sweat, as final opponent Artur ALEKSANYAN (ARM) was forced to default due a rib injury suffered during the tournament.

Evloev’s ascendance has heralded a changing-of-the-guard in the weight class, as Aleksanyan had been the dominant force, winning world and Olympic golds from 2014 to 2017.

Evloev beat the Armenian in the semifinals last year in Budapest, avenging a loss to Aleksanyan in their first-ever meeting, in the final of the 2017 World Championships in Paris.

The Russian said he had been looking forward to their latest clash, and was not aware that he would win by default until the two wrestlers took the mat for the official decision.

“I didn’t know until the last seconds,” Evloev said. “Artur is a good friend, but on the mat, he is a strong opponent. I was really waiting for this.”

Frank STAEBLER (GER) rebounded to win a bronze medal after falling to eventual champion Ismael BORRERO (CUB). (Photo: Kadir Caliskan)

In the third-place matches, Germany and Serbia both came away with a pair of bronze medals.

Staebler fell behind 5-0 to Elsayed at 67kg, but, helped by a 2-point fleeing penalty, came back for a 6-5 victory that he clinched with a stepout with :49 left. The other bronze went to Mate NEMES (SRB), who overwhelmed Fredrik BJERREHUUS (DEN) by 10-0 technical fall.

At 87kg, Rio 2016 bronze medalist Denis KUDLA (GER) and Asian champion Rustam ASSAKALOV (UZB) both added bronzes to world silvers they had previously won. Kudla edged Mikalai STADUB (BLR), while Assakalov defeated Atabek AZISBEKOV (KGZ) 6-2.

Mihail KAJAIA (SRB) and Cenk ILDEM (TUR) earned the bronzes at 97kg, with the former topping Tadeuz MICHALIK (POL) by 9-1 technical fall and the latter beating Giorgi MELIA (GEO) 4-1.

Kenichiro FUMITA (JPN).will take on returning world champion Sergey EMELIN (RUS) in the60kg finals on Tuesday night. (Photo: Tony Rotundo)

Emelin, Fumita set up clash between current, former champs in 60kg final
Earlier in the night session, the semifinals were held in the remaining three Greco weight classes, and defending champion Sergey EMELIN (RUS) set up a battle for the 60kg gold with his predecessor, Kenichiro FUMITA (JPN).

Emelin capped a near-perfect performance with his fourth straight technical fall of the day, easily beating Mirambek AINAGULOV (KAZ) by 8-0 in 4:30. That was only three seconds longer than the time it took for Fumita to oust Alireza NEJATI (IRI) by a 10-1 score.

Fumita, coming off a disappointing third-place finish at the Asian Championships, scored eight points from the par terre position in the second period in his latest solid performance of the tournament.

“I didn’t allow him to lock me up [from the standing position], and I was able to resist being rolled [from par terre], so it was a good showing,” Fumita said.

For Fumita, by being assured of at least a silver medal, clinched a place for himself at the Olympics in his homeland. The Japan federation has decreed that any wrestler winning a medal in Nur-Sultan in an Olympic weight class automatically fills that spot at Tokyo 2020, without any further qualification process.

“I’m really riding high right now, but I need to overcome this joy with a full effort in tomorrow’s match,” he said.

Tamas LORINCZ (HUN) will try to outperform his brother, who fell in the Greco-Roman finals on Monday night when he wrestles Alex KESSIDIS (SWE) for world gold on Tuesday night.

The 77kg final will pit Tamas LORINCZ (HUN) against Alex KESSIDIS (SWE). Lorincz broke some Kazakhstan hearts when he ousted Ashkat DILMUKHAMEDOV (KAZ), 1-1, as his passivity point came last. Kessidis scored a 4-point throw with 1:25 left to stun Karapet CHALYAN (ARM) 5-2.

At 130kg, Riza KAYAALP (TUR) will add to his extensive world medal collection after advancing to the final with an untroubled 4-1 win over Eduard POPP (GER). He will face Oscar PINO HINDS (CUB), who defeated Amir GHASEMI (IRI), 6-2.

Dating back to 2009, Kayaalp has three world golds, two silvers and two bronzes. That’s not to mention his two Olympic medals---a silver in 2016 and bronze in 2012.

Day 3 results

Greco-Roman

60kg (39 entries)
Semifinal – Sergey EMELIN (RUS) df, Mirambek AINAGULOV (KAZ) by TF, 8-0, 4:30
Semifinal – Kenichiro FUMITA (JPN) df. Alireza NEJATI (IRI) by TF, 10-1, 4:27

67kg (41 entries)
Gold – Ismael BORRERO (CUB) df. Artem SURKOV (RUS), 3-1
Bronze –Mate NEMES (SRB) df. Fredrik BJERREHUUS (DEN) by TF, 10-0, 1:47
Bronze – Frank STAEBLER (GER) df. Mohamed ELSAYED (EGY), 6-5

77kg (38 entries)
Semifinal – Alex KESSIDIS (SWE) df. Karapet CHALYAN (ARM), 5-2
Semifinal – Tamas LORINCZ (HUN) df. Ashkat DILMUKHAMEDOV (KAZ), 1-1

87kg (39 entries)
Gold – Zhan BELENIUK (UKR) df. Viktor LORINCZ (HUN), 2-1
Bronze – Denis KUDLA (GER) df. Mikalai STADUB (BLR), 2-1
Bronze – Rustam ASSAKALOV (UZB) df. Atabek AZISBEKOV (KGZ), 6-2

97kg (37 entries)
Gold – Musa EVLOEV (RUS) df, Artur ALEKSANYAN (ARM) by DEF.
Bronze – Mihail KAJAIA (SRB) df. Tadeuz MICHALIK (POL) by TF, 9-1, 4:40
Bronze – Cenk ILDEM (TUR) df. Giorgi MELIA (GEO), 4-1

130kg (31 entries)
Semifinal – Oscar PINO HINDS (CUB) df. Amir GHASEMI (IRI), 6-2
Semifinal – Riza KAYAALP (TUR) df. Eduard POPP (GER), 4-1

#WrestleUlaanbaatar

Ramazanov Returns to Shake Up 86kg; Strong DPR Korea Squad in Ulaanbaatar

Tuesday, June 2, 2026 - 08:49 By Vinay Siwach

ULAANBAATAR, Mongolia (June 1) -- Olympic champion Magomed RAMAZANOV (BUL) is finally returning to the mat. He has been out of action for more than a year but will be at 86kg for this week's Ulaanbaatar Open, the third Ranking Series in Mongolia from June 4 to 7.

Ramazanov's return is significant for 86kg and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Out of the four 86kg medalists from Paris 2024, none participated in the 2025 World Championships at 86kg. Zahid VALENCIA (USA) became the world champion, Hayato ISHIGURO (JPN) won silver, and Arsenii DZHIOEV (AZE) and Kamran GHASEMPOUR (IRI) winning bronzes. All four were first-time world medalists in this weight class.

This year began with the Ranking Series and Parker KECKEISEN (USA) won in Zagreb and Ibragim KADIEV (RUS) in Tirana. At the continental championships, Kadiev became the European champion, Ghasempour won the Asian Championships and Valencia dominated the Pan-American Championships.

Ramazanov's return, and if he wins gold, will make him the favourite to win the gold medal at the 2026 World Championships that will be held in Astana, Kazakhstan from October 24 to November 1. The Ranking Series will also be a test of how healthy the Olympic champion is after his surgery.

The 32-year-old will in the field along with former world silver medalist Mohammad NOKHODI (IRI) who is moving up from 79kg for the first time. It will be a test for the Iranian as he prepares to claim the 86kg spot on the Iran team.

Asian silver medalist Mukul DAHIYA (IND) is also entered and his relentless pace troubled many at the Asian Championships in Bishkek. However, he still lacks the technicality of being among the top at 86kg.

Bolat SAKAYEV (KAZ) and Malik SHAVAEV (KGZ) will try to challenge the field along with Abdulmuslim ABULMUSLIMOV (RUS).

In other Freestyle weight classes, a mouth-watering clash awaits at 65kg. World champion Rahman AMOUZAD (IRI) will open his season in Ulaanbaatar with hopes of winning gold.

In all likelihood, a clash against Shamil MAMEDOV (BUL) awaits Amouzad. The two met at the 2023 World Championships and Mamedov defeated Amouzad in the bronze-medal bout, 8-6. Mamedov returned to international wrestling in April at the European Championships but did not win medal.

SUJEET (IND), in red-hot form and unbeaten this year, was also entered for the tournament but he confirmed to United World Wrestling that he is unlikely to travel as he competed and won the Asian Games selection trial in India on May 31. India is still likely to send U23 Asian champion Mohit KUMAR (IND) and ROHIT (IND)

Kwang Jin KIM (PRK), a silver medalist at the 2025 Asian Championships, is also in the mix along with Adlan ASKAROV (KAZ), Ossimzhan DASTANBEK (KAZ) and Christopher COMPOSTO (USA).

Takhir KHANIEV (RUS) Khaniev brothers -- Takhir, left, and Ismail -- won the U23 European Championships gold medal at 97kg and 79kg respectively. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

Khaniev brothers, Ismail and Takhir, will be in action at 79kg and 97kg respectively for Russia before they challenge the big names domestically for the World Championships spot in July. Takhir made headlines when he defeated Kyle SNYDER (USA) at the Tirana Ranking Series at 97kg and later won a silver medal.

Takhir, who also won gold at the U23 European Championships, should have a straight forward win at 97kg in Mongolia.

Ismail, at 79kg, will have to face U20 world champion Mahdi YOUSEFI (IRI) and the two youngsters are likely to give a match to remember if they face each other.

ABHIMANYOU (IND) defeated Tulga TUMUR OCHIR (MGL) in the 70kg final at the Asian Championships. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

For hosts Mongolia, Tulga TUMUR OCHIR (MGL) will lead the charge at 70kg and he will have a chance to avenge his loss to ABHIMANYOU (IND) from the Asian Championships final.

Abhimanyou stunned the field in Bishkek, beating favourites Ernazar AKMATALIEV (KGZ) and Tumur Ochir to win the 70kg gold. He defeated the Mongolia, 5-3, but the Ranking Series will show if his win in Bishkek was one off or not.

The DPR Korea's world champion Chong Song HAN (PRK) comes to Ulaanbaatar as a firm favourite at 57kg, His electric wrestling and strength has troubled even established names.

A clash against European silver medalist Musa MEKHTIKHANOV (RUS) will be a treat if it happens. Mekhtikhanov, known for some crafty wrestling, will have navigate Han's strength if he hopes to win a gold medal.

A few other names include Meirambek KARTBAY (KAZ) and Merey BAZARBAYEV (KAZ) as Kazakhstan continues to select its team for the World Championships and the Asian Games. It has registered at least two wrestlers in maximum weight classes and will hope to return with at least one gold.

It has veteran Azamat DAULETBEKOV (KAZ) competing at 92kg, a weight class which has a few tough names including two more names Bekzat AMANGALI (KAZ) and Yelnar SHILDEBAY (KAZ). Former Asian champion Abolfazl RAHMANI (IRI) and defending Ulaanbaatar Open champion Askhab SAADULAEV (RUS) are among the opponents that will try to stop Dauletbekov.

A big test awaits youngster and U20 world champion and Asian bronze medalist Yedige KASSIMBEK (KAZ) at 125kg. The teenager has made a steady climb and won bronze in Asia on his senior debut. He will face the likes of BUHEEERDUN (CHN), DINESH (IND), Robert BARAN (POL) and Timur KOTAEV (RUS).

At 74kg, with none of the big names entered, Darkhan YESSENGALI (KAZ), Tamir ESHINIMAEV (RUS) and Tumen BODIEV (RUS) can make it all the way. If Sagar JAGLAN (IND) lands in Ulaanbaatar, he will be getting much-needed experience as he continues to regain form.

Iran has brought Ahora KHATERI (IRI) back to 61kg after a brief stint at 65kg at the U20 World Championships. He will be among the favourites to win gold despite the presence of Assylzhan YESSENGELDI (KAZ), Zanabazar ZANDANBUD (MGL) and Bair BAIANDUEV (RUS).

World champion Kyong Ryong OH (PRK) will lead a strong DPR Korea squad at the Ulaanbaatar Open. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

Women's Wrestling

The DPR Korea sent seven wrestlers in Women's Wrestling for the 2025 World Championships. The country won two golds, two silvers, a bronze medal, a fifth-place finish and one 18th-place finish and finished second overall behind Japan. A strong eight-member DPR Korea women's squad is now headed to Ulaanbaatar for the Ranking Series.

In perhaps its last competition before the Asian Games and the World Championships, DPR Korea will be hoping a strong outing and a rich medal haul at the Ranking Series, its first-ever.

World champion Kyong Ryong OH (PRK) leads the charge along with both the silver medalists from Zagreb, Il Sim SON (PRK) and Ok Ju KIM (PRK).

Oh will be at 53kg, down from 55kg, as she bids for the Asian Games spot. Her move sets up a top-tier clash against Moe KIYOOKA (JPN) who is among the three Japanese wrestlers participating in the Ranking Series. Oh had shown no chinks in her armour last year but Kiyooka may be able to exploit some. However, importantly the wrestlers will have a two-kilogram weight allowance which will give Oh the upper hand.

Apart from Kiyooka and Oh, the 53kg weight class has Asian silver medalist MEENAKSHI (IND), former Asian medalist Namuuntsetseg TSOGT OCHIR (MGL), 55kg European champion Andreea ANA (ROU) and Natalia MALYSHEVA (RUS), making the weight class among the most competitive.

The regular 53kg wrestler from the DPR Korea, Paris Olympic and world bronze medalist Hyo Gyong CHOE (PRK), is at 55kg and a young Tuba DEMIR (TUR) will look to challenge her in the weight class.

Il Sim SON (PRK) is the world silver medalist at 57kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kadir Caliskan)

World silver medalist at 57kg Son is undoubtedly the best in the field. Her exploits at the World Championships helped her almost beat Helen MAROULIS (USA) in the final. Son's defence will be difficult to breach for her opponents including former Asian champion MANISHA (IND), former world silver medalist Khulan BATKHUYAG (MGL) and European silver medalist Elvira SULEYMAN KAMALOGLU (TUR).

World and Asian silver medalist Ju Kim has her eyes set on the gold medal at 62kg. In the World Championships final, she was on her way to win gold but fumbled in the dying seconds when Sakura MOTOKI (JPN) tossed her for four points to snatch victory.

Kim's opponents in Ulaanbaatar include European silver medalist Amina TANDELOVA (RUS), European bronze medalist Bilyana DUDOVA (BUL), former world champion Tserenchimed SUKHEE (MGL) and world bronze medalist Esther KOLAWOLE (NGR) among others.

Tandelova has the best chance to upset Ju Kim, who has struggled in the past with conditioning. And Tandelova's style and pace helped her in the European Championships final that she led 9-0 against Grace BULLEN (NOR) before being hit by Bullen classic trip and give up a fall.

The 50kg weight class will see Asian silver medalist Son Hyang KIM (PRK) among the favourites. She will joined by Olympic bronze medalist Ziqi FENG (CHN) who finished with a bronze medal at the Asian Championships. Evin DEMIRHAN YAVUZ (TUR) is also in the mix at this weight class.

European champion Nesrin BAS (TUR) will be the favorite at 68kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kadir Caliskan)

Paris Olympian Sol Gum PAK (PRK) has a tougher bracket at 68kg with European champion and world silver medalist Nesrin BAS (TUR) and European silver medalist Kateryna ZELENYKH (ROU). Bas has won nine medals, including four golds, out of the 10 tournaments she has participated in since the Paris Olympics.

Former world silver medalist Delgermaa ENKHSAIKHAN (MGL) will be carrying the hopes of the host nation which has entered its first team for the Ranking Series.

Mongolia is also banking on Enkhjin TUVSHINJARGAL (MGL) and Erdenebulgan LKHAGVASUREN (MGL) to win medals at 65kg, a weight class that will see Hyon Gyong MUN (PRK), Asian Championships silver medalist at 62kg, moving up to 65kg.

The 59kg weight class is rather open one with Asian bronze medalist NEHA (IND), European medalist Bediha GUN (TUR), home-favourite Bolortuya KHURELKHUU (MGL) among the mix with Pyol HONG (PRK), the only DPR Korea wrestler who did not wrestle for a medal at the World Championships.

The two weight classes that the DPR Korea is not sending any wrestlers are 72kg and 76kg. As is the case around the world, the 76kg category is stacked for Ulaanbaatar Open as well.

Age-group stars from Asia -- Saihan AO (CHN), Wenji LI (CHN), KAJAL (IND) and PRIYA (IND) -- are all expected to descend upon the Mongolian capital along with veteran Elmira SYZDYKOVA (KAZ) and Davaanasan ENKH AMAR (MGL)

Former European champion Alexandra ANGHEL (ROU) and another age-group star Valeriia TRIFONOVA (RUS) are also wrestling as the heaviest weight class continues to be among the most competitive one.

At 72kg, European silver medalist Wiktoria CHOLUJ (POL) will be the favourite with veteran Zhamila BAKBERGENOVA (KAZ) and HARSHITA (IND), who defeated Bakbergenova at the Asian Championships.

Zholaman SHARSHENBEKOV (KGZ) will return to international competition after close to two years. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kadir Caliskan)

Greco-Roman

The much-awaited return of Olympic bronze medalist and former world champion Zholaman SHARSHENBEKOV (KGZ) will be the talking point of Greco-Roman in Ulaanbaatar. After a near two-year absence, Sharshenbekov will step out the mat for his first competition at 63kg.

Sharshenbekov was at the national camp with the Kyrgyzstan team and trained under Raul TRUJILLO DIAZ (CUB) who is in the country to prepare the wrestlers. Sharshenbekov also attended the Greco camp in Porec in February.

In Ulaanbaatar, he will be facing a field that includes Zagreb Open champion and Asian silver medalist Erfan JARKANI (IRI) and world bronze medalist Mohammad KESHTKAR (IRI). Both Jarkani and Keshtkar may well be involved in their own selection trial for the World Championships if they face each other.

Incidentally, Jarkani lost the Asian final to Aftandil TAALAIBEK UULU (KGZ), who is coached by Sharshenbekov. The Ranking Series gives a perfect platform for Sharshenbekov to return and assess his condition before the World Championships if he participates in it.

Iran's selections for World Championships will go through Ulaanbaatar and apart from 63kg, the 72kg weight class will also see a wrestle-off between Javad REZAEI (IRI) and Danial SOHRABI (IRI).

Rezaei won the Muhamet Malo Ranking Series and finished with a silver medal at the Asian Championships. He has been in good form while Sohrabi, a world bronze medalist, has not been to international competition since September. He is, however, the defending 72kg champion in Ulaanbaatar.

Others medal threats at this weight class include former U23 world champion Sultan ASSETULY (KAZ) and Amantur ISMAILOV (KGZ).

World silver medalist Payam AHMADI (IRI) will be in action at 55kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Amirreza Aliasgari)

Iran is also bringing its world silver medalist Payam AHMADI (IRI) at 55kg. He will be challenged by Asian silver medalist LALIT (IND) and Emin CAKIR (TUR), who finished fifth at the World Championships.

At 60kg, former U20 world champion Ali AHMADI VAFA (IRI) will continue for Iran as the country continues its efforts to find a mainstay at the weight class.

U23 Asian champion SUMIT (IND) will look to stand on the podium and so will Yu Chol RO (PRK), the Asian bronze medalist at 55kg now moving up to 60kg.

Although it seemed that he was injured at the Asian Championships, world silver medalist Hanjae CHUNG (KOR) will return to the mat two months later. He won a silver medal at 63kg last year in Ulaanbaatar but has moved up to 67kg.

He will be joined by European silver medalist Murat FIRAT (TUR) who almost defeated Hasrat JAFAROV (AZE) in the final. Firat will be among the favourites to win the gold medal. Sachin SAHRAWAT (IND) and Karajit SINGH (IND), both past Ranking Series medalists, will be hoping to finish among the medalists again.

In other weight classes, Aik MNATSAKANIAN (BUL) and Deyvid DIMITROV (BUL) will compete at 82kg perhaps to earn the first spot on the national team.

At 77kg, Stoyan KUBATOV (BUL) has AMAN (IND), Ankit GULIA (IND) and Bekzat ORUNKUL UULU (KGZ) while the 87kg has Asian bronze medalist Sunil KUMAR (IND), PRINCE (IND), Rohit BURA (IND) and Azat SALIDINOV (KGZ) among others.

Asian silver medalist NITESH (IND) will be up against Paris Olympian Kevin MEJIA (HON), Nurassyl AMANALY (KAZ) and Juan DIAZ (VEN) at 97kg.

Borrero Caps Amazing Run to Greco 67kg Title by Dethroning Surkov

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Ramazanov Returns to Shake Up 86kg; Strong DPR Korea Squad in Ulaanbaatar