Freestyle Rankings: Sadulaev and Petriashvili Cement Top-Seed for Olympic Games

Monday, March 30, 2020 - 12:41 By Eric Olanowski

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (March 31) – Geno PETRIASHVILI (GEO) and Abdulrashid SADULAEV (RUS) capped off their uninterrupted runs to the top seed at the Olympic Games with title-winning efforts at the World and European Championships. The pair of superstars amassed staggering leads over their closest competitors and officially locked up the No. 1 seed at the Olympic Games in their respective weight classes.

The two lead a group of five European wrestlers who have ownership of the top spot in the latest point-based rankings. Hassan YAZDANI (IRI) is the lone non-European wrestler to grace the top spot in the six Olympic weight classes, at 86kg.

Meanwhile, in the four non-Olympic weight categories, reigning world champions Beka LOMTADZE (GEO), David BAEV (RUS), Kyle DAKE (USA) and J’den COX (USA) occupy the top stop in the world rankings.

Uguev and Atli Lock up #Tokyo2021 Top-Four Seed at 57kg, Separated by Two Points
As in years past, the 57kg weight class is one of the most dynamic and competitive in all of wrestling. Current world champion and No. 1 ranked Zaur UGUEV (RUS) leads a pack of six hungry wrestlers jockeying for a top-four seed.

World runner-up Suleyman ATLI (TUR) is firmly in the No.2 position after runner-up finishes at the World and European Championships.

Uguev and Atli, who went toe-to-toe for world gold in Nur-Sultan, are separated by two points heading into the final Ranking Series event of the year.

Uguev compiled a 9-0 record in world championship action over the last two seasons en route to striking gold in back-to-back years. Uguev, on the back of his podium-topping finish in Nur-Sultan, controlled a comfortable 20-point lead over Atli heading into the 2020 season. But the Russian’s lead dwindled after he sat out of the European Championships, where Atli finished with an 18-point silver medal.

Now, Atli tails Uguev by two points -- which means the Turkish wrestler has to finish three points ahead of Uguev to clear criteria (highest world championship finish) and earn the No. 1 seed at the Olympic Games at 57kg.

Stevan MICIC (SRB), Kumar RAVI (IND) and Nurislam SANAYEV (KAZ) also have a shot at locking up a top-four seed at the Olympic Games.

Despite being in striking distance of a top-four seed, sixth-ranked Yuki TAKAHASHI (JPN) fell to Rei HIGUCHI (JPN) in their Olympic wrestle-off and won't compete at the Olympics.

Micic, Serbia’s first-ever freestyle Olympian, is third with 48 points and trails Uguev and Atli by 12 and 10 points, respectively.

The Serbian can seal up his spot as a top-four seeded wrestler with a nine-point finish at the final Ranking Series event. But, he still has a plausible shot at becoming the top seed if he wins the last Ranking Series event without Uguev and Atli in the bracket.

Fourth-ranked Ravi needs a 12-point finish at the final Ranking Series event to secure one of the top-four seeds at 57kg. Although it’s highly unlikely, there still a slim shot that the Indian wrestler can grab the No. 1 seed. He’d need Uguev, Atli and Micic to sit out of the final Ranking Series event and win gold in a bracket with more than 11 wrestlers to earn the 16 points he needs to clear his top-three foes.

Nurislam Sanayev is ranked fifth at the weight and tails Ravi by six points. The Kazakh wrestler’s choice to compete at 61kg and not 57kg at the Matteo Pellicone could prove to be one of the costliest decisions of his career. Sanayev would be ranked third at 57kg if he finished in at least fifth place at the first Ranking Series tournament. But, instead of sitting comfortably in the third spot of the latest ranking, Sanayev is playing catch up with a pack of wrestlers who have ambitions of locking up their place in the top-four of the 57kg rankings.

Top-10 at 57kg
1. Zaur UGUEV (RUS) - 60
2. Suleyman ATLI (TUR) - 58
3. Stevan MICIC (SRB) - 48
4. Kumar RAVI (IND) - 45
5. Nurislam SANAYEV (KAZ) - 39
6. Yuki TAKAHASHI (JPN) - 28
--- Out of top-four contention ---
7. Oscar TIGREROS (COL) - 22
8. Reza ATRINAGHARCHI (IRI) - 20
9. Azamat TUSKAEV (RUS) - 20
10. Bekhbayar ERDENEBAT (MGL) – 18

Four Points Separate Rashidov, Bajrang and Kaisanov For Top Seed at 65kg
In a weight where European wrestlers have claimed three of the last four 65kg (66kg) Olympic titles, defending world champion Gadzhimurad RASHIDOV (RUS) reigns over a pair of Asian wrestlers who are in hot pursuit of the weight’s top billing.

Rashidov is tangled atop the world rankings at 65kg with Bajrang PUNIA (IND) and Daulet NIYAZBEKOV (KAZ), while a quartet of wrestlers outside the top-four can still capture an Olympic seed.

Rashidov, Punia and Niyazbekov are separated by four points heading into the last Ranking Series event. But the Russian and Indian wrestlers built such commanding leads over the field that they could sit out of the final Ranking Series event and still earn a top-four seed at the Olympic Games.

Rashidov owns the world’s top-ranking at 65kg after finally claiming his long-awaited world gold in Nur-Sultan last season.

This season, Rashidov, who started the year with 60 points, sat out of both point-based competitions (the European Championships and the Matteo Pellicone) and owns a narrow one-point lead over of Punia.

Punia began the year ranked No.3 with 25 points after his world bronze-medal finish. Since Nur-Sultan, he overthrew world finalist Niyazbekov for the No.2 ranking. Punia added 16 points to his world championship total after he erased a three-point deficit against Jordan OLIVER (USA) to win the 16-point Matteo Pellicone Ranking Series gold medal. Although he stumbled in the Asian finals against 2018 world champion Takuto OTOGURO (JPN), Punia collected 18 points and pushed himself to within one point of the Russian defending world champion.

Niyazbekov, who fell to Rashidov in last year’s world finals, is ranked third at 65kg. The Kazakh wrestler has 56 points and trails the Russian by four points.

Niyazbekov started the year with 40 points, then tacked on 16 points in New Delhi after finishing in third place. He lost his Asian championship quarterfinals match to Otoguro but fought back to finish the continental championships with a 16-point bronze medal.

Iszmail MUSZUKAJEV (HUN) is ranked fourth in the latest rankings with 41 points. He finished the World and European Championships in third and fifth place, respectively. The Hungarian Olympian has a slim one-point lead over Asian champion Otoguro heading into the final Ranking Series event.

Pack of Four Chasing a Top-four Seed
Otoguro, Haji ALI (BRN), Erik ARUSHANIAN (UKR) and Selahattin KILICSALLAYAN (TUR) are the quartet of wrestlers at 65kg who are still within 18 points of fourth-ranked Muszukajev.

Otoguro, a 2018 world champion, has 40 Ranking Series points and sits one point behind Muszukajev for the fourth spot. He rose two spots to No. 5 with a pair of top-five wins at the Asian Championships. Otoguro defeated Niyazbekov in the quarterfinals, then scored an impressive 10-2 win over Bajrang and earned the 20-point gold medal.

Ali finished in seventh-place at the World Championships and started the season with 18 points and is 14 points away from earning a top-four seed at the Olympics. He lost to Niyazbekov in the opening round of the Asian Championships and dropped to seventh place. His 10-point continental finish brought his point total to 28 points, which is good enough for a No. 6 ranking at 65kg.

Ukrainian youngster Erik Arushanian finished top-five at the Matteo Pellicone and European Championships and is ranked seventh with 28 points. He needs 14 points to surpass Muszukajev for the fourth-ranking.

Selahattin Kilicsallayan started the year ranked fifth in the world and sat in prime position to earn a seed at the Olympic Games. But he slipped from fifth to eighth in the rankings after failing to place in the top eight at the European Championships. Kilicsallayan fell to Muszukajev, 8-1, and finished in 18th place.

Top-10 at 65kg
1. Gadzhimurad RASHIDOV (RUS) - 60
2. Bajrang BAJRANG (IND) - 59
3. Daulet NIYAZBEKOV (KAZ) - 56
4. Iszmail MUSZUKAJEV (HUN) - 41
5. Takuto OTOGURO (JPN) - 40
6. Haji Mohamad ALI (BRN)- 28
7. Erik ARUSHANIAN (URK) - 28
8. Selahattin KILICSALLAYAN (TUR) - 24
--- Out of top-four contention ---
9. Kurban SHIRAEV (RUS) - 22
10. TUMUR-OCHIR Tulga (MGL) – 20

Chamizo Overtakes Sidakov for Top Ranking at 74kg
Over the last 25 years, Russia and America have had a stronghold on the 74kg weight class --winning a combined 22/25 world or Olympic titles. But that could all change come Tokyo if Italy’s Frank CHAMIZO can improve his Rio Olympic bronze medal to a 2021 Olympic gold.

Chamizo overthrew Zaurbek SIDAKOV (RUS) for the No. 1 spot in the latest rankings and is neck and neck with the Russian heading into the final ranking Series event. The Italian won his fourth continental title in his last five tries -- thrusting himself two points ahead of Sidakov.

Chamizo entered the European Championships ranked No. 2 in the world. He trailed the Russian reigning two-time world champion by 20 points. He grabbed the 22-point gold medal and is the new top-ranked wrestler in the world at 74kg.

He’s been extremely vocal in his quest to lock up the No. 1 seed at the Olympic Games. Immediately after winning gold at the European Championships, Chazmio said, “I’m wrestling in Poland. It’s a Ranking Series tournament and I want to come into (the Olympic Games) ranked No. 1.”

Daniyar KAISANOV (KAZ) entered the year ranked fifth after he finished the World Championships with a bronze medal. Since then, he leaped two spots into the third position. Kaisanov has a comfortable 14-point lead over fourth-ranked Jordan BURROUGHS (USA) and only needs five points to clear criteria over the American secure his spot as a top-four seeded wrestler in Tokyo.

London Olympic champion Burroughs has been in and out of the top-four at 74kg – but for now, he finds himself sitting in the fourth spot. The four-time world champion sat out of the Matteo Pellicone and dropped two places to sixth heading into the Pan-American Championships. He claimed gold in Ottawa and leaped back into the top-four. Burroughs has 43 points and lays 11 points ahead of the three guys who can steal the fourth seed from him.

Murad KURAMAGOMEDOV (HUN), Soner DEMIRTAS (TUR) and Franklin GOMEZ MATOS (PUR) are the trio of wrestlers who are within 18 points of Burroughs.

Kuramagomedov placed top-ten at the World Championships, Matteo Pellicone and the European Championships and is ranked fifth at 74kg with 32 Ranking Series points. Most recently, he fell to Chamizo and Demirtas at the European Championships and ended the tournament in fifth place.

Demirtas rebounded after a disappointing 12-place finish in Nur-Sultan and medaled at the European Championships and Matteo Pellicone. He’s tied with Kuramagomedov with 32 points. Although he defeated the Hungarian in the bronze-medal bout, he still trails on criteria because of his lower finish at the World Championships.

Gomez, who just became a three-time Olympian after a silver medal finish at the Pan-American OG Qualifier, is the last wrestler who can catch Burroughs for the fourth seed. Gomez lost to Burroughs in the finals of the Pan-American Championships after dropping his bronze-medal bout at the Matteo Pellicone.

Top-Ten at 74kg
1. Frank CHAMIZO MARQUEZ (ITA) - 62
2. Zaurbek SIDAKOV (RUS) - 60
3. Daniyar KAISANOV (KAZ) - 57
4. Jordan BURROUGHS (USA) - 43
5. Murad KURAMAGOMEDOV (HUN) - 32
6. Soner DEMIRTAS (TUR) - 32
7. Franklin GOMEZ MATOS (PUR) - 26
--- Out of top-four contention ---
8. Mao OKUI (JPN) - 20
9. Ogbonna JOHN (NGR) - 20
10. Magomedrasul GAZIMAGOMEDOV (RUS) -20

Naifonov and Amine Moves into Top-Four Seed After Battling for Euro Gold
Artur NAIFONOV (RUS) and Myles AMINE (SMR) moved into the top-four of the world rankings after battling for the 86kg gold medal at the European Championships, while the top-two at the weight remained the same.

Top-ranked Hassan Yazdani underwent knee surgery earlier this year and had no choice but to skip the Matteo Pellicone and Asian Championships. He commanded a 20-point lead over his world finals opponent Deepak PUNIA (IND), but the Indian wrestler closed that gap on Yazdani with a 14-point Asian championship bronze-medal finish.

Punia leads Naifonov by seven points after the conclusion of the continental championship season.

Naifonov stopped Amine from becoming the first athlete from San Marino to ever win a European title with a 4-0 shutout win in the 86kg finals. The Russian collected 22 points from his continental gold and is five points away from locking up a top-four seed.

Amine, a fifth-place finisher in Nur-Sultan, rounds out the top four at 86kg with 40 points. He has a slight six-point lead over Carlos IZQUIERDO MENDEZ (COL).

Four Wrestlers Still in Contention
Fifth-ranked Izquierdo sits in front of a quartet of wrestlers who have the potential to steal the fourth seed from Amine. The Colombian placed fifth at the World and Pan-American Championships and has 34 points.

Alexander DIERINGER (USA) placed top-three at the Matteo Pellicone and Pan-American Championships and jumped fellow American James DOWNEY III (USA) in the latest rankings. “Ringer” lept from 11th to sixth after he won the bronze medal at the continental championships.

Switzerland’s first-ever freestyle world medalist Stefan REICHMUTH (SUI) slipped from fifth to eighth in the latest rankings. He fell to a disappointing 20th-place finish at the European Championships and missed out on earning Ranking Series points. Reichmuth enters the final Ranking Series event 15 points behind Amine for the fourth seed.

Top-Ten at 86kg
1. Hassan aliazam YAZDANICHARATI (IRI) - 60
2. Deepak PUNIA (IND) - 54
3. Artur NAIFONOV (RUS) - 47
4. Myles Nazem AMINE (SMR) - 40
5. Carlos arturo IZQUIERDO MENDEZ (COL) - 34
6. Alexander David DIERINGER (USA) - 30
7. James Patrick DOWNEY III (USA) - 26
8. Stefan REICHMUTH (SUI) - 25
--- Out of top-four contention ---
9. Yurieski TORREBLANCA QUERALTA (CUB) - 20
10. Khaled Masoud Ismail ELMOATAMADAWI (EGY) - 20

Sadulaev Locks up 97kg Top Seed for Olympic Games
In a weight that could feature as many as four Olympic champions come Tokyo, there’s one Olympic champion that stands above all -- Abdulrashid SADULAEV (RUS). “The Russian Tank” amassed a 27-point lead over second-ranked Kyle SNYDER (USA) after he won his fifth European title. With only 18 points left on the table, Sadulaev officially locked up the No. 1 seed at 97kg at the Olympic Games.

He began the year with 60 Ranking Series points after he won the 97kg world title in Nur-Sultan. He earned 20 additional points at the European Championships, where he shut out Rio Olympic bronze medalist, Albert SARITOV (ROU), 6-0, in the gold medal match.

Snyder jumped fellow Olympic champion Sharif SHARIFOV (AZE) in the latest rankings with his gold-medal win at the Pan-American Championships. He built a 17-point lead over Sharifov and needs three points to clear criteria and lock up the No. 2 seed at the Olympic Games.

Magomedgadji NUROV (MDA) rounds out the top-four at 97kg. He has a one-point lead over Alisher YERGALI (KAZ) and Elizbar ODIKADZE (GEO) after the continental championships.

Top-Ten at 97kg
1. Abdulrashid SADULAEV (RUS) - 80
2. Kyle SNYDER (USA) - 57
3. Sharif SHARIFOV (AZE) - 40
4. Magomedgadji Omardibirovich NUROV (MKD) - 37
5. Alisher YERGALI (KAZ) - 36
6. Elizbar ODIKADZE (GEO) - 36
7. Magomed MUSAEV (KGZ) - 28
8. Abraham de Jesus CONYEDO RUANO (ITA) - 28
9. Mojtaba GOLEIJ (IRI) - 20
--- Out of top-four contention ---
10. Magomed Idrisovitch IBRAGIMOV (UZB) - 18

Petriashvili Cements Spot as 125kg Top Seed at the Olympic Games
The last time a wrestler not named Geno PETRIASHVILI (GEO) or Taha AKGUL (TUR) who won a world or Olympic title was way back to 2013. Since then, the pair of superstar heavyweights have accounted for a combined six straight world gold medals and one Olympic title.

But Akgul underwent shoulder surgery earlier this year, leaving the door wide open for Petriashvili to cement his spot as the top heavyweight in the world – and that’s precisely what the Georgian big man did.

This year, Petriashvili doubled his closest competitors Ranking Series points and will begin his quest to upgrade his 2016 Olympic bronze to a Tokyo gold atop the bracket as the No. 1 seed.

Petriashvili tallied a perfect 12-0 record in world championship competition and claimed a three-peat of world titles since winning his Rio Olympic bronze medal. He departed Nur-Sultan with a 20-point lead over his archrival Akgul, who he defeated in the finals. Petriashvili extended that lead to 40 points after he claimed continental gold in Rome. He went 4-0 at the European Championships, outscored his opponents 39-2 and added a third continental title to his resume.

Akgul, the Rio Olympic champion, was sidelined due to his shoulder injury and is in jeopardy of losing out on his No. 2 spot in the rankings. He leads Oleksandr KHOTSIANIVSKYI (UKR) by one-point heading into the finals Ranking Series event.

The Ukrainian reached the No. 3 spot with a bronze-medal finish in Nur-Sultan and a fifth-place finish at the European Championships.

Jamaladdin MAGOMEDOV (AZE) is the fourth-ranked wrestler at 125kg. He began this season ranked tenth after a seventh-place finish at the World Championships. Magomeov tacked on 20 points from a bronze-medal finish at the European Championships and is five points behind Khotsianivskyi with 34 points.

Top-Ten at 125kg
1. Geno PETRIASHVILI (GEO) – 80
2. Taha AKGUL (TUR) - 40
3. Oleksandr KHOTSIANIVSKYI (UKR) - 39
4. Jamaladdin MAGOMEDOV (AZE) - 34
5. Nick MATUHIN (GER) - 32
6. Yusup BATIRMURZAEV (KAZ) – 32
7. Amarveer DHESI (CAN) - 28
8. Zhiwei DENG (CHN) – 25
9. Egzon SHALA (KOS) – 20
10. Yadollah Mohammadkazem MOHEBI (IRI) – 19

#WrestleCoralville

USA vs Iran, China vs Ukraine for World Cup titles

Saturday, December 10, 2022 - 15:42 By Vinay Siwach

CORALVILLE, Iowa (December 10) -- After a long opening day at the World Cup, it all comes down to four teams. The USA will take on Iran for the freestyle World Cup title while China will take on Ukraine for the women's wrestling title.

The USA defeated Mongolia and Georgia to reach the final while Iran defeated Japan and the All-World team in a close match-up.

Georgia will take on the All-World team for the third-place match in the men's competition while Mongolia will face the USA.

The final is set: Iran vs USA! It is what most fans wanted and they have got it. The finals begin at 1600 hours local time with China and Ukraine facing each other for the World Cup. At 1800 hours local time, Iran and the USA will line-up for the epic dual.

22:05: Amirreza MASOUMI (IRI) scores a counter takedown to open the scoring against Oleksandr KHOTSIANIVSKYI (UWW) at 125kg. And another before the break to make it 4-0. Masoumi pushes him to the back for four! An 8-0 lead for Masoumi. A strong double from Masoumi finishes the bout 12-0. The sixth win for Iran as it qualifies for the final against the US.

21:55: Amirali AZARPIRA (IRI) will have to pull off something special against Batyrbek TSAKULOV (UWW) at 97kg. He begins with three stepouts. Tsakulov shoots for the legs but gives up a go-behind. Tsakulov tries to throw Azarpira but gives up a takedown. Azarpira leads 7-0 at the break. Another stepout for Azarpira. No engagement from Tsakulov and Azarpira is a point away from winning this. He does that with ease and wins the fifth bout for Iran. The final bout coming up and the All-World team has to get a pin in it to win.

21:45: On the women's side, Zhamila BAKBERGENOVA (UWW) defeated Skylar GROTE (USA) 6-0 to make it simple for Yasemin ADAR (TUR). She had to beat Yelena MAKOYED (USA) by technical superiority or fall. But it is the USA wrestler who pins Adar and wins the dual for the USA. It will take on Mongolia for third place.

21:33: At 92kg, Osman NURMAGOMEDOV (UWW) takes on Amirhossein FIROUZPOUR (IRI). He has win over the Iranian from the U23 World Championships last year but he barely scrapped past him. Firouzpour tries an attack that Nurmagomedov fakes and scores a go-behind for a 2-0 lead. Nurmagomedov gets on a single leg and scores two. Just before the break, Firouzpour gets a cradle for four and a pin but before the referee could call it, Nurmagomedov survives. The second period begins with a Firouzpour exposure and reversal for Nurmagomedov who challenges the call. It is awarded two and two. Nurmagomedov getting tired and Firouzpour manages to get a point for fleeing, adds another stepout. Nurmagomedov hits another leg attack but Firouzpour manages to expose his opponent before being in danger. This should be two and two but called only two. Nurmagomedov challenges and wins again. Nurmagomedov hits a double-leg and scores two for a 10-10 criteria lead. He has 20 seconds to defend his lead and he does it. He wins and ties the score at 4-4 in the dual.

21:25: Irina RINGACI (UWW) was made to work hard for that win at 68kg. Solin PIEARCY (USA) scored the first takedown and then survived a whizzer from Ringaci to keep it 2-2. Ringaci got a duck-under for two to lead 4-2. She keeps the score for the win. Two more bouts remaining and the All-World team needs to win both. The USA leads 17-11 on classification points so one of the wins for the All-World team needs to be a fall or both via technical superiority.

21:20: Mohammad NOKHODI (IRI) ties it up by beating Arslan BUDAZHPOV (UWW) 12-2 at 79kg. Big onus on Azamat DAULETBEKOV (UWW) against Alireza KARIMI (IRI) at 86kg now. Karimi with the takedown. An activity clock point makes it 3-0 for Karimi at the break. Karimi adds one more point to win 4-0. A big advantage since Dauletbekov did not score any classification due to his no score.

21:18: Mallory VELTE (USA) beats Mimi HRISTOVA (UWW) 12-0 and the USA now leads the dual 5-2. The All-World team needs to win the remaining three bouts with big margins as well.

21:15: Tajmuraz SALKAZANOV (UWW) with a 9-0 win over Mohmmadsadegh FIROUZPOUR (IRI) to make the dual 3-2 in favor of the All-World team. A technical superiority win would have been a better result if case both teams finish with five wins each.

20:57: Zhala ALIYEV (UWW) is injured. The USA now leads 3-1. World champion Anastasia NICHITA (UWW) pulls one back with a 12-2 win over Lexie BASHAM (USA) at 59kg. At 62kg, Aisuluu TYNYBEKOVA (UWW) takes on Kayla MIRACLE (USA). An early attack and two points for Tynybekova. Miracle reverses a Tynybekova attempt on the edge and put her on the back. It is scored four for Tynybekova, but Miracle challenges and wins. 4-2 lead for Miracle. A shot from Tynybekova but Miracle lifts her and gives up a reversal to lead 6-3. Tynybekova gets on a shot but in the process slips outside. Miracle gets the point but Tynybekova challenges. It is lost. Miracle gets a stepout to make it 9-3 and for the win.

20:55: Amirmohammad YAZDANI (IRI) takes on Ernazar AKMATALIEV (UWW) at 70kg. The last time these two clashed in Almaty, it ended 13-12 in the favor of Akmataliev. Yazdani blasts a double to open the scoring. He turns Akmataliev to lead 4-0. Ankle pick to single leg for Yazdani but Akmataliev tries to throw him over his head but fails and it's a 6-0 lead for Yazdani. Iran challenges the call asking for four points. But it's only two. 6-1 the score. Akmataliev gets a body lock but the judges a stepout for Yazdani. Akmataliev challenges but lost. 8-1 for Yazdani at the break. Akmataliev scores a stepout, then adds another. Yazdani struggling to keep up and Akmataliev gets a lucky exposure before Yazdani adds a stepout. Akmataliev with a head pinch at the end but Yazdani pushes him out to add a point. Yazdani wins 10-7, a crucial one in this dual.

20:49: Rahman AMOUZAD (IRI) starts with a stepout at 65kg against Taiyrbek ZHUMASHBEK UULU (UWW) who is also penalized for fleeing. Amouzad adds a takedown using the pressure from underhook and tripping Zhumashbek Uulu to make it 4-0 at the break. Stepout in the second period. Amouzad wins 5-0. No points from Zhumashbek Uluu may hurt the All-World team later

20:41: A big win for the All-World team in the women's competition. Maria PREVOLARAKI (UWW) scores one takedown in each period to beat Felicity TAYLOR (USA) 4-1 and tie the dual 1-1 against the USA. But the USA reclaim the lead as Jenna BURKERT (USA) beats Karla GODINEZ (UWW) 4-0 at 55kg.

20:40: Georgi VANGELOV (UWW) takes on Ebrahim ELAHI (IRI) who scores the first point. Vangelov gets a stepout and another point for Elahi's fleeing. He then pushes Elahi for another to make it 3-1. He squares up Elahi and then scores a go-behind to win 5-1. All-World team leads Iran 5-0. Iran trails 2-0

20:30: On Mat B, the All-World women's team is taking on the USA team for a place in the 3-4th place dual. The winner will face Mongolia for the third position. Erin GLOSTON (USA) begins with a 6-0 win over Anna LUKASIAK (UWW) at 50kg.

20:25: Zelimkhan ABAKAROV (UWW) will wrestle Reza MOMENIJOUJADEH (IRI) at 57kg. Momenijoujadeh draws first blood with a takedown and leads 2-0 at the break. Abakarov fires back with a takedown to start the second period. He adds another with a double leg. Under a minute remaining and he scores a takedown and leg laces the Iranian for a 12-2 win.

Now it's time for Iran vs the All-World team. The winner will take on the USA for the World Cup!

20:15: From 5-0 lead to an 8-7 loss, Solomon MANASHVILI (GEO) will blame his conditioning, or lack of it, for the heartbreak. Hayden ZILLMER (USA) completes a whitewash for the USA. It wins 10-0 against Georgia and goes into the World Cup final.

20:10: Nodoka YAMAMOTO (JPN) beats Anastasiia SHUSTOVA (UKR) 2-2 at 76kg for the fifth win for Japan but it will go down on classification points. Ukraine has 24 points while Japan has 15. This is the first time in World Cup history that Japan will not be on the podium!

20:05: The USA continues to excel. Nathan JACKSON (USA) beats world bronze medalist Miriani MAISURADZE (GEO) via technical superiority before Kyle SNYDER (USA) hands Givi MATCHARASHVILI (GEO) a 5-0 loss at 97kg.

20:04: No show from Yuka FUJIKURA (JPN) which means Alla BELINSKA (UKR) will get a walkover and Ukraine have qualified for the World Cup final against China!

20:00: Tetiana RIZHKO (UKR) with a fall! Kumi KOBAYASHI (JPN) never looked comfortable against Rizhko who used the arm bar to secure the fall and more importantly get five classification points for Ukraine.

19:55: Miyu IMAI (JPN) surprises Kateryna ZELENYKH (UKR) with a 4-4 win. Imai had taken a 4-4 lead before giving up a stepout and takedown. She was cautioned for stopping an attacking move and was put in forced par terre but she defended further attacks and won. Japan leads 4-3.

19:46: A stepout, an ankle pick for a takedown and a high gut take Zahid VALENCIA (USA) to a 5-0 lead against Sandro AMINASHVILI (GEO) at 86kg. He then shoots a head outside and adds two gut wrenches to win 11-0.

19:42: Yui SAKANO (JPN) has tied it 3-3 against Ukraine. What an exceptional performance. From 2-2, she got the front bodylock for four over Iryna KOLIADENKO (UKR) and then worked her way to a 13-2 win at 62kg.

19:40: Jordan BURROUGHS (USA) trailed Vladimeri GAMKRELIDZE (GEO) 3-0 at the break but then scored three stepouts and a two-pointer on the edge to lead 5-3 against a completely exhausted Gamkrelidze. He held off the last 25 seconds to win and qualify the USA for the World Cup final.

19:30: Iryna BONDAR (UKR) adds to Ukraine's lead. She trailed Himeka TOKUHARA (JPN) 4-0 at the break but then caught the Japanese from behind as she tried to get out of a hold. She added a gut from takedown to lead 4-4 on criteria. Tokuhara almost caught Bondar but could not get the grip. A desperate throw from the Japanese to no avail as Bondar wins 6-4 at 59kg.

19:25: Nothing is working for Georgia here. Jason NOLF (USA) built an 8-0 lead with three takedowns and a gut. Good counter-attacking wrestling from Nolf. In the second period, he scores a stepout to make it 9-0. Sulava got on top in one scramble but Nolf still had control. Georgia challenges the call but lost. Nolf wins 10-0 at 74kg. One more win and the USA will reach the final.

19:20: Is there a more workman than Alec PANTALEO (USA) in the world? He works an 8-0 win over Giorgi ELBAKIDZE (GEO). 4-0 for the USA now.

19:17: Yulia TAKCH (UKR) over Ruka NATAMI (JPN) at 57kg! Huge win for Ukraine as it ties the dual 2-2. Takch scored a takedown in the first period and one in the second. Natami defended well and tried hard to score for herself but failed.

19:15: John DIAKOMIHALIS (USA) brushes off his loss to Tulga TUMUR OCHIR (MGL) and rolls to an 11-0 technical superiority win over Beka LOMTADZE (GEO) at 65kg. The USA leads the dual 3-0

19:10: Alina HRUSHYNA (UKR) pulls one back for Ukraine as she beats U23 world champion Moe KIYOOKA (JPN) at 55kg. A takedown from the first period in a super aggressive but made the difference.

18:59: In the men's competition, Nick SURIANO (USA) begins with a 6-3 win over Beka BUJIASHVILI (GEO) to give the USA a 1-0 lead against Georgia. The USA makes it 2-0 as Seth GROSS (USA) wins 11-0 against Teimuraz VANISHVILI (GEO) at 61kg.

18:57: Another late comeback from Japan. Rino KATAOKA (JPN) trailed Albina RILLIA (UKR) 2-0 at 53kg for most of the bout before circling back to score a takedown with 20 seconds remaining and win 2-2. Japan leads 2-0.

18:45: Big match to start the dual. Hanano SAKURAI (JPN) takes on Oksana LIVACH (UKR). Both wrestlers trade passivity points and it's 1-1. Livach is warned for fleeing in the final 20 seconds. She gets her second warning with 10 seconds remaining and Sakurai leads 2-1. It will end in a Sakurai win. Great start for Japan.

Welcome back to live action. Ukraine and Japan square off for a spot in the World Cup final against China.

18:00: Yasemin ADAR (UWW) and Juan WANG (CHN) with some solid defense. Both wrestlers have exchanged passivity points with Wang holding criteria. A spin to go behind from Wang to lead 3-1 with 16 seconds left. She adds another on a desperate Adar attempt and China wins the dual 22-19 on criteria and qualifies for the World Cup final.

17:50: Two-time world silver medalist Zhamila BAKBERGENOVA (UWW) claims a 3-2 win over QIANDEGENCHAGAN (CHN). Both wrestlers had traded the passivity points but Bakbergenova turned a leg attack into a takedown on which Qiandegenchangan reversal. But that was not enough. China challenged the call but to no avail. The All-World team now leads 5-4. It all comes down to the 76kg bout between Yasemin ADAR (TUR) and Juan WANG (CHN). Whoever wins the bout, wins the dual.

17:40: Feng ZHOU (CHN) cannot avenge her World Championships loss to Irina RINGACI (UWW). She falls 7-4 against Ringaci. An early attack from Ringaci saw her build the lead before Zhou scored a takedown. Ringaci was solid in her defense from a lot of positions. She did shoot a double leg to extend her lead even as Zhou scored a late takedown. The time ran out. The All-World team and China are now tied 4-4

17:35: Batyrbek TSAKULOV (UWW) beats Yohei SHINADA (JPN) 10-0 at 97kg and Oleksandr KHOTSIANIVSKYI (UWW) defeats Hiroto NINOMIYA (JPN) 11-0 at 125kg as the All-World team beats Japan 9-1. Up next is Iran.

17:30: Mimi HRISTOVA (UWW) has given life to the All-World team with a 10-8 win over Jia LONG (CHN). What a bout that was at 65kg. It was tied 2-2 at the break but Hristova found a takedown and a high gut got her to 10-2. Long scored a takedown and added two guts. A late ankle pick for 10-8 but Long failed to turn Hristova who wins.

17:24: Osman NURMAGOMEDOV (UWW) takes no time in beating Satoshi MIURA (JPN) 10-0 at 92kg. The All-World team has its task cut out to reach the final -- beat Iran.

17:20: Two-time world champion Aisuluu TYNYBEKOVA (UWW) uses her experience to beat Xiaojuan LUO (CHN) 4-0 at 62kg. That's the second win for the All-World team but China still has four wins. The important fact being that Tynybekova did not let Luo score.

17:18: Azamat DAULETBEKOV (UWW) with a five! He tanks U23 world champion Tatsuya SHIRAI (JPN). In the second period, he gets a takedown and a turn before finishing it 11-0 at 86kg.

17:10: Arsalan BUDAZHAPOV (UWW) trailed for the most part of that 79kg bout against Yajuro YAMASAKI (JPN) but he continues to struggle and ultimately wins 5-2. The All-World team leads 5-1 now. On Mat B, Anastasia NICHITA (UWW) gave up an early point but pins Qi ZHANG (CHN) in the second period. The first win for the All-World team. China still leads 4-1

16:56: Ernazar AKMATALIEV (UWW) with two big throws to lead 8-0 against Keitaro ONO (JPN) and then exposure to win 10-0 at 70kg. The All-World team now leads Japan 3-1. Tajmuraz SALKAZANOV (UWW) adds a 10-0 win over Kirin KINOSHITA (JPN) to make it 4-1.

16:55: Qianyu PANG (CHN) wins 4-0 over Karla GODINEZ (UWW) at 55kg. Two passivity points for Pang before a late takedown helps her win. China leads the dual 3-0. At 57kg, Zhala ALIYEVA (UWW) got a 4-0 lead but gave a reversal and gut as Yongxin FENG (CHN) cuts it to 4-3 at the break. But Feng launches a single leg after the break. Aliyeva gets exposure but Feng reverses the position and gut-wrenches Aliyeva to lead 14-6. Aliyeva seems to have hurt her leg. She won't be able to continue and China now leads 4-0.

16:45: Taiyrbek ZHUMASHBEK UULU (UWW) replaced Iszmail MUSZUKAJEV (UWW) at the last moment but stands up to the challenge to beat Ryoma ANRAKU (JPN) 4-1 at 65kg.

16:44: Maria PREVOLARAKI (UWW) tried hard to score a point in the final minute but a strong defense by Li DENG (CHN) saw the Chinese win 2-1. China now leads the dual 2-0.

16:32: Zelimkhan ABAKAROV (UWW) as casual as you like. He knocks off Taishi YAMAGUCHI (JPN) at 57kg 3-0 to give a 1-0 lead to the All-World team. Now at 61kg, Kaito MORIKAWA (JPN) vs Georgi VANGELOV (UWW). Morikawa builds a quick 4-0 lead over Vangelov. He then locks Vangelov's legs and two guts to finish the bout 10-0 in a minute and 19 seconds. Japan 1-1 All-World

16:25: China is on a mission! If it wins the dual against the All-World team, it will qualify for the final. Jiang ZHU (CHN) is now wrestling Anna LUKASIAK (UWW) at 50kg. Two passivity calls against Zhu. But she gets Lukasiak on her back and gets the pin!

Both the All-World teams are now in action! The men's team is taking on Japan while the women's team is up against China.

16:17: Davaanasan ENKH AMAR (MGL) with a late takedown but it is not enough as (UKR) Alla BELINSKA (UKR) hangs on for a 6-5 win and gets an outright win for Ukraine. Anastasiia SHUSTOVA (UKR) with a fall over Tsevegmed ENKHBAYAR (MGL) at 76kg and Ukraine win the dual 7-3.

16:10: Batzul ULZIISAIKHAN (MGL) is injured and Givi MATCHARASHVILI (GEO) will win at 97kg. Lkhagvagerel MUNKHTUR (MGL) works up Solomon MANASHVILI (GEO) at 125kg and eventually secures the fall. However, Georgia wins 7-3.

16:05: Tetiana RIZKHO (UKR) builds a 5-0 lead and closes in on a pin against Purevsuren ULZIISAIKHAN (MGL) but time runs out in the first period. Ulziisaikhan scores a takedown in the second period to cut the lead to 5-2. Rizkho will hold on for the win! Ukraine now leads the dual 5-3. It more or less confirms Ukraine's win in this dual.

16:00: Georgia wins the dual as Miriani MAISURADZE (GEO) receives a walkover at 92kg. That is the sixth win for the nation against Mongolia and they will wrestle the USA later this evening for a spot in the World Cup final.

15:55: Kateryna ZELENYKH (UKR) was in some trouble against Orkhon PUREVDORJ (MGL) after the early takedown but she gets the double-leg and a gut wrench to lead 6-2. But Purevdorj with an underhook to make it 6-4. Zelenykh with a smart whizzer but changes it to a takedown for two. She leads 8-4 at the break in this 65kg bout. The second period begins with a cradle from Purevdorj to make it 8-6 but a double from Zelenykh and she extends her lead 10-6. A takedown from Purevdorj and adds a gut to lead 10-10. Zelenykh with a high single with 15 seconds left to secure the win 12-10.

15:49: U23 world champion Vladimeri GAMKRELIDZE (GEO) has put Georgia 4-2 ahead with a 12-2 win over Temuujin MENDBILEG (MGL). Now at 86kg, Bat Erdene BAYASGALAN (MGL) vs Sandro AMINASHVILI (GEO). The Mongolian is up 1-0 for passivity but then Aminashvili with a duck under to lead 2-1 at the break. Takedown to make it 4-1. He adds another and turns to make it 8-1. He wins with the same score

15:47: Tserenchimed SUKHEE (MGL) over Olympic bronze medalist Iryna KOLIADENKO (UKR) at 62kg. Koliadenko led 4-2 at the break but Sukhee came back stronger in the second period. She comes up with an arm spin to go behind to lead 6-4. She then blasts a double-leg for four! Sukhee wins 12-7 and Mongolia has tied this 3-3.

15:45: Sumiyabazar ZANDANBUD (MGL) and Giorgi SULAVA (GEO) involved in a close bout at 74kg. Sulava got a nice attack but Zandanbud gets on top for 2 and gets the turn to make it 4-0. Sulava with a head pinch and four! Mongolia challenges the call but loses. Sulava with two exposure in the second period and ultimately secures the fall.

15:35: Ukraine has turned up the heat! Yuliia TKACH (UKR) with a fall over Erdenesuvd BAT ERDENE (MGL) at 57kg and then Iryna BONDAR (UKR) does the same against Davaachimeg ERKHEMBAYAR (MGL) at 59kg. Ukraine now leads 3-2.

15:31: U23 world champion Giorgi ELBAKIDZE (GEO) with a big four to open the scoring at 70kg against Munkhtulga ZUUNBAYAN (MGL). He scores a takedown and fleeing from Zuunbayan, turns from par terre and finishes it 11-1. Georgia ties it 2-2.

15:30: Pancaked for a fall! Alina HRUSHYNA (UKR) puts Bolortuya BAT OCHIR (MGL) on her back and picks up the fall at 55kg. The first win for Ukraine.

15:25: Otgonjargal GANBAATAR (MGL) with a late attack and exposure to win 6-4 against Albina RILLIA (UKR) at 53kg. Rillia was leading 6-2 but Ganbaatar with a lift and two exposure to win. Mongolia leads 2-0.

15:20: At 65kg, Beka LOMTADZE (GEO) up against Tulga TUMUR-OCHIR (MGL). Lomtadze is behind 1-0 at the break. Another passivity call on Lomtadze during which Tumur Ochir with an arm spin for four. He leads 6-0. Lomtadze with a close takedown but it's not confirmed. Georgia challenges but lost. Tumur Ochir leads 7-0. He ends it with an all-air gut for four! He wins 11-0. Mongolia leads 2-1.

15:01: Otgonjargal DOLGORJAV (MGL) with a hiptoss to get four against Oksana LIVACH (UKR) and leads 4-2 at the break. Livach with some defense. She controls Dolgorjav but cannot bring her down. Instead, falls on her back and gives up two. Dolgorjav scores two more and wins 8-2.

15:00: For Georgia, Beka BUJIASHVILI (GEO) and Zanabazar ZANDANBUD (MGL) wrestling at 57kg. Bujiashvili gets an ankle pick takedown for two. Zandanbud also scores one. Bujiashvili continues to get on Zandanbud's leg and leads 4-3. Zandanbud begins the second period with a go-behind and then a turn to lead 7-4. A 9-6 win for Zandanbud but Georgia will receive a walkover at 61kg to make it 1 win each.

Welcome back for the second session. Mongolia will take on Georgia in freestyle while Ukraine is up against Mongolia in the women's competition. A win for Mongolia in this dual against Ukraine will take them to the final

13:30: Another U23 world champion Amirreza MASOUMI (IRI) takes no time to win the 125kg bout. He begins by tripping Hiroto NINOMIYA (JPN) for four before adding a takedown and two turns to win 10-0. Iran wins the dual 9-1.

13:25: U23 world champion Amirali AZARPIRA (IRI) against Yohei SHINADA (JPN) at 97kg. He scores a stepout, to begin with. He adds two takedowns to make it 5-0 before blasting a double-leg to make it 7-0. Shinada surprises with a lucky takedown. Azarpira with an ankle pick for a takedown and then two turns to win 11-2.

13:15: Two-time world champion Kamran GHASEMPOUR (IRI) got a little disturbed by an accidental head to the eye by Satoshi MIURA (JPN). But he gathers himself, throws Miura for a four, adds a lace, a takedown later and ends it with a crafty go-behind after toying with Miura. A top win for the world champ.

13:10: U23 world champion Tatsuya SHIRAI (JPN) gave some challenge to three-time world medalist Alireza KARIMI (JPN) at 86kg but it was never enough. Karimi wins 11-0 to win the dual for Iran. 6-1 now.

13:02: China wins the dual against the USA 8-2 in the women's competition. A significant achievement and a step closer to the final of the World Cup. The technical superiority wins against the USA will help it even if it loses the second dual against the All-World team.

13:01: Ali SAVADKOUHI (IRI) is a workhorse. He begins with three stepouts against Yajuro YAMASAKI (JPN) at 79kg and then adds a takedown and leads 7-0 at the break. In the second period, he adds two more takedowns and wins 11-0

13:00: World champion Amit ELOR (USA) breaks the duck for the USA. She beats QIANDEGENCHAGAN (CHN) 5-0 at 72kg to avoid a whitewash in this dual. Dymond GUILFORD (USA) makes it another win for the USA as she locks Juan WANG (CHN) in lace to lead 7-0 at the break. She gives up a takedown in the second period but wins 7-2

12:52: Mohmmadsadegh FIROUZPOUR (IRI) had a scare in the end as he was caught with both knees on the mat but Kirin KINOSHITA (JPN) could never force a clean takedown. Firouzpour wins 3-1 at 74kg and Iran now leads 4-1.

12:35: The USA got some hope from Kayla MIRACLE (USA) at 62kg and Mallory VELTE (USA) at 65kg as both led their bouts. But Xiaojuan LUO (CHN) defeated Miracle 6-4 before Jia LONG (CHN) makes a comeback from 8-4 to beat Velte 12-8 using a strong gut wrench. That is followed by Feng ZHOU (CHN) steamrolling Sienna RAMIREZ (USA) 10-0 at 68kg. Again the gut wrench.

12:25: Iran now leads 2-1 in the dual against Japan. Mohammadreza BAGHERI (IRI) hangs on for a 2-1 win against Ryoma ANRAKU (JPN) at 65kg. It is followed by an absolute thriller between Aliakbar FAZLI (IRI) and Keitaro ONO (JPN) at 70kg. Fazli trailed 6-1 but breaks Ono and wins 8-6.

12:20: The USA is yet to score a point in this dual against China. After technical superiority wins at 50kg and 53kg, Olympic silver medalist Qianyu PANG (CHN) beats Jenna BURKERT (USA) 4-0 at 55kg, Yongxin FENG (CHN) defeats Amanda MARTINEZ (USA) 10-0 at 57kg and Qi ZHANG (CHN) hands Michaela BECK (USA) an 11-0 defeat at 59kg.

12:05: In the Iran-Japan dual, Taishi YAMAGUCHI (JPN) did make a comeback against Reza MOMENIJOUJADEH (IRI) but falls 6-5 at 57kg. A 1-0 lead for Iran. Next up is Ebrahim ELAHI (IRI) against Kaito MORIKAWA (JPN) at 61kg. Morikawa gets the seatbelt position and both wrestlers are in a scramble. Elahi leads 2-1 at the break. But Morikawa with a leg lace and finishes the bout 13-2. Iran 1-1 Japan

11:57: Not an ideal start for the USA. Jiang ZHU (CHN) with a quick 10-0 win over Emily SHILSON (USA) at 50kg before Li DENG (CHN) also scores a 10-0 win over Amy FEARNSIDE (USA) to give China a 2-0 lead.

11:50: Time for the second dual! Iran is taking on Japan in freestyle while the USA faces a strong China on the women's side. Reza MOMENIJOUJADEH (IRI) vs Taichi YAMAGUCHI (JPN) at 57kg and in women's Emily SHILSON (USA) takes on Jiang ZHU (CHN) at 50kg.

11:45: Nodoka YAMAMOTO (JPN) wins 2-0 at 76kg over Burmaa OCHIRBAT (MGL) but it doesn't mean much. Mongolia and Japan finish 5-5 but the former has two wins via fall which means it finishes with a classification score of 22 points to 18 points and wins the dual.

11:40: Purevsuren ULZIISAIKHAN (MGL) has put Mongolia in the driver's seat with a fall over Kumi KOBAYASHI (JPN) at 68kg. Davaanasan ENKH AMAR (MGL) gets a walkover Yuka FUJIKURA (JPN) at 72kg which means another 5 classification points for Mongolia which means it wins the dual irrespective of the result at 76kg

11:30: Orkhon PUREVDORJ (MGL) adds another win for Mongolia. The 2017 world champion beats Miyu IMAI (JPN) 9-4 at 65kg to make the dual 4-3 and keep Mongolia alive. Next up is Purevsuren ULZIISAIKHAN (MGL) vs Kumi KOBAYASHI (JPN) at 68kg.

11:20: Himeka TOKUHARA (JPN) beats Davaachimeg ERKHEMBAYAR (MGL) 5-3 at 59kg to make it 4-1 for Japan but Tserenchimed SUKHEE (MGL) gets one back with a 7-5 win over Yui SAKANO (JPN) at 62kg. Japan still needs a win to be safe.

Zane RICHARDS (USA) won the opening battle at 57kg. (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

11:10: All over between the USA and Mongolia. World silver medalist Lkhagvagerel MUNKHTUR (MGL) df. Hayden ZILLMER (USA) 3-1 at the 125kg bout but the USA will win the dual 7-3.

11:00: Jordan BURROUGHS (USA) at 79kg and Zahid VALENCIA (USA) at 86kg win by technical superiority. Nathan JACKSON (USA) gets the forfeit at 92kg and Kyle SNYDER (USA) also gets the win via injury default at 97kg to seal it for the USA.

10:51: A great win for Ruka NATAMI (JPN) at 57kg. She beats Erdenesuvd BAT ERDENE (MGL) 3-0 and Japan now leads the battle 3-1

10:50: Sumiyabazar ZANDANBUD (MGL) beats Vincenzo JOSEPH (USA) 8-0 at 74kg but it won't have much consequence on the outcome of the dual as the USA has already won three bouts and has two walkovers.

10:40: The USA now leads 3-1 as Tyler BERGER (USA) wins 10-0 against Munkhtulga ZUUNBAYAN (MGL) at 74kg. On the other mat, a big win for Japan as U23 world champion Moe KIYOOKA (JPN) beats Olympic bronze medalist Bolortuya BAT OCHIR (MGL) 6-4 at 55kg to make it 2-1 for Japan.

10:33: It's 1-1 between Japan and Mongolia. Rino KATAOKA (JPN) with a late takedown and exposure to beat Otgonjargal GANBAATAR (MGL) 5-1 at 53kg.

10:32: Mongolia pulls one back! After Seth GROSS (USA) received a walkover at 61kg, world silver medalist John DIAKOMIHALIS (USA) could have made it 3-0 for the USA but Tulga TUMUR OCHIR (MGL) beats him 10-3 to win at 65kg

10:25: Zane RICHARDS (USA) with complete control over Zanabazar ZANDANBUD (MGL) as he wins 10-0 at 57kg. On the women's side, a clutch performance from Otgonjargal DOLGORJAV (MGL) as she wins 3-3 with a takedown attempt for a pin against Hanano SAKURAI (JPN). Sakurai led 3-0 but was called passive and then gave up the two on exposure.

10:10: Zane RICHARDS (USA) and Zanabazar ZANDANBUD (MGL) are on Mat A for their 57kg bout. On Mat B, world silver medalist Otgonjargal DOLGORJAV (MGL) faces Hanano SAKURAI (JPN) at 50kg.

10:05: The USA is a heavy favorite against Mongolia as the latter failed to enter two weight classes. In women's, Japan has a young team but it will still be difficult for Mongolia to get past the wrestling powerhouse

10:00: Welcome to the World Cup. The hosts USA are ready to entertain the crowd as it takes on Mongolia while Japan takes on the same country in the women's competition.

Freestyle Rankings: Sadulaev and Petriashvili Cement Top-Seed for Olympic Games

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USA vs Iran, China vs Ukraine for World Cup titles