Harutyunyan stuns Abakarov, Akgul reigns again at Euros

Wednesday, April 19, 2023 - 16:40 By Vinay Siwach

ZAGREB, Croatia (April 19) -- World champion Rei HIGUCHI (JPN) certainly knows a thing or two about wrestling. When United World Wrestling posted about the European Championships final between Arsen HARUTYUNYAN (ARM) and Zelimkhan ABAKAROV (ALB) at 61kg, Higuchi said he is very excited to watch it.

Not many would have given Harutyunyan a chance against 57kg world champion Abakarov who has now become one of the top wrestlers in the lower weight classes. But what transpired on the mat Wednesday in Zagreb left everyone stunned as Harutyunyan captured his third European title after upsetting Abakarov 5-2.

Such was his confidence that the 23-year-old put his thumb and two fingers up, symbolizing his third gold medal, well before the clock expired and as he was defending a leg-lace attempt from Abakarov.

He first won the European gold medal in 2019 at 57kg, added the second last year at 61kg and now defended his title, safe to say, with ease.

He was one of the four defending champions to repeat while the fifth fell in the finals. Tajmuraz SALKAZANOV (SVK) won the 74kg gold, Feyzullah AKTURK (TUR) repeated at 92kg and Taha AKGUL (TUR) became a 10-time European champion at 125kg. The only returning champ to fall was Myles AMINE (SMR) as he lost the 86kg final to Dauren KURGULIEV (GRE) 3-1.

Overall, Azerbaijan defended its team title with 150 points followed by Georgia with 137 points. Turkiye finished third with 115 points.

Harutyunyan's victory was a masterclass about keeping position and hand-fighting a world champion out of the bout. And because he has an unusual stance with no dominant front foot, Harutyunyan combined his speed and defense to deny Abakarov any attacks on the legs. Abakarov's only options were upper-body attacks which Harutyunyan defended with ease.

Abakarov got on an arm drag early in the final but Harutyunyan was quick to get out of it and forced Abakarov to step out and get the 1-0 lead. Harutyunyan then scored a single-leg takedown to lead 3-0 at the break.

After a back-and-forth but scoreless one minute in the second period, Harutyunyan scored a double leg on Abakarov to lead 5-0 with just over a minute left. Abakarov finally caught Harutyunyan in a takedown, but it was too late, as time ran out, even as Abakarov was trying to get a lace.

"I was in a positive mood, he is not an ordinary athlete, he is a world champion," Harutyunyan said. "It was a little exciting, but as soon as I stepped on the mat, all the excitement was gone. It doesn't matter to me who my opponent is when I step on the mat, I want to beat him. I saw myself as a champion, so I confidently climbed onto the mat and won."

In 2021, Harutyunyan became Armenia's first U23 world champion and defended that title in 2022. He also became the first wrestler from Armenia to win two freestyle European titles last year and has now extended that record to three. This is also the first time Armenia has had two champions in the same event as Vazgen TEVANYAN (ARM) won the gold medal at 65kg in Zagreb.

"When I won the first time, I experienced completely different emotions than now," he said. "When I won the second time and was very happy, I was really looking forward to the third time, because this year I had to prove to myself that I had not been training day and night in vain. I did my best to train, to be ready for the European Championship."

While the gold at 61kg in Zagreb works as a confidence booster for Harutyunyan, he will be moving down to 57kg in his quest to become a world champion and qualify for the Paris Olympics which doesn't feature the 61kg weight class. He even sounded a warning to his opponents.

"I will change weight and I will become the world champion at 57kg," he said. "This year I will do my best and not miss my chance to become world champion. In the weight category of 57kg, I will be the first and go to the Olympic Games. Now I say very confidently - let all the opponents get ready."

The start of the medals session was reciprocated by the end with yet another battle between Akgul and Geno PETRIASHVILI (GEO) at 125kg and once again it was the former who won the battle of Europe.

Akgul now holds a 6-1 head-to-head record against Petriashvili at European Championships. His only loss came back in 2016 in Riga, Latvia as Petriashvili won the qualification round bout 8-8. Since then he has dominated Petriashvili four times in the final, one time in the quarterfinal and once in the qualification round.

The latest win was even more one-sided as Petriashvili was down 9-0 at one point before Akgul decided not to take any more risks and stepped back in the final minute in which Petriashvili scored two harmless takedowns as Akgul won 9-4.

At the start, Petriashvili was put on the activity clock, forcing him to take a shot and Akgul scored a takedown on the counter. He added a roll to lead 5-0 at the break. Petriashvili tried his fake attacks but Akgul stood still and never committed to any strange position. Petriashvili did get on a single-leg attack but was once again countered and Akgul scored another takedown and a roll to lead 9-0.

Akgul did give up two takedowns but nothing seemed to stop him from the early celebration as he won his 10 European titles in freestyle.

"I told you that this match will be beautiful," Akgul said. "My performance was good. I won 10 European titles. This is so big for me. I win against Geno again that is why I am happy.

"I told myself that I will give everything to this match. At 9-0, I was tired but I finished the bout."

Akgul will now be focusing on the World Championships where he has not beaten Petraishvili and will have to deal with Olympic champion Gable STEVESON (USA) qualifies to wrestle in Belgrade.

"We will have a rematch with him [Steveson]. I will be waiting at the World Championships and I will wrestle differently," Akgul said.

Feyzullah AKTURK (TUR) defended his 92kg gold medal at the European Championships. (Photo: UWW / Kostadin Andonov)

Feyzullah AKTURK (TUR) also successfully defended his 92kg title and secured Turkiye's second gold medal of the night. He wrestled world bronze medalist Osman NURMAGOMEDOV (AZE) in what was expected to be a close final, but Akturk dominated from start to finish.

Akturk capitalized on Nurmagomedov's weak gas tank and started aggressively from the first whistle. Although Nurmagomedov scored the first takedown with a double leg, Akturk quickly responded with a stepout of his own. In the second period, Nurmagomedov attempted another double leg, but Akturk impressively avoided it and scored a takedown of his own to take the lead 3-2.

As Nurmagomedov began to show signs of fatigue, Akturk took advantage and executed a single-leg takedown to extend his lead to 5-2. Despite a late leg attack from Nurmagomedov, Akturk did not give him any more opportunities to make a comeback and secured the win.

Tajmuraz SALKAZANOV (SVK) fends off an attack from Frank CHAMIZO (ITA) in the 74kg final. (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

Salkazanov sinks Chamizo again

Salkazanov secured his third consecutive European championship title, defeating Frank CHAMIZO (ITA) 3-1 in the 74kg final, for the second year in a row.

Just two months prior, Salkazanov had experienced a setback at the Zagreb Open Ranking Series, suffering two losses in one day and receiving heavy criticism as a result. This made Chamizo the favorite to win the title, particularly after his impressive performances leading up to the final.

However, Chamizo had previously expressed that he was not a fan of Salkazanov's style of wrestling, which involves "a lot of pushing." In response, Salkazanov defended his approach, stating that his offensive style can be challenging for many wrestlers.

"I think that my wrestling style is inconvenient not only for Chamizo but also for many other wrestlers as well because I have a very offensive style," Salkazanov said. "Many can not deal with the pressure and that’s why it is inconvenient."

Despite Chamizo's attempts at snaps and low singles, Salkazanov relied on his strengths to score points throughout the final. He led 1-0 at the break after a pushout, and maintained his crotched stance throughout the second period, making it difficult for Chamizo to make a move. Salkazanov received an activity point and another stepout to secure his victory, winning 3-1 after conceding one point for fleeing.

"I wasn’t surprised that Frank didn’t try to score more, and was wrestling defensively," he said. "Many of my opponents follow the same way."

Salkazanov recounted his visit to Zagreb in February and acknowledged the criticism he had received and credited his coaches for their support and guidance.

"I really wanted to win because two months ago I was in Zagreb and lost two matches," he said. "Many people criticized me for participating and some said I was not well prepared. I actually had a minor injury. I believe in my coaches. As he always says, in order to win you have to lose. It worked this way here. I am a champion again."

Despite his impressive three-year European championship winning streak, Salkazanov still faces a significant challenge at the World Championships, having lost in the final to Kyle DAKE (USA) in consecutive years.

"I have to keep working, there is no other way," he said about beating Dake. "I hope for God’s help. I think I will make it. Now I need to recover and talk to my coach, maybe I’ll wrestle at one more tournament and then go for the World Championships."

Dauren KURUGLIEV (GRE) defeated Myles AMINE (SMR) to win the 86kg gold medal. (Photo: UWW / Kostadin Andonov)

Kurugliev emerged as the 86kg gold medalist, defeating defending champion Amine 3-1 in a closely contested final. This victory marks his second European Championship title, six years after his first win in 2017 when he was a Russian Wrestling Federation athlete.

Although Kurugliev dominated his opponents, outscoring them 35-0 in the three previous bouts, the final against Amine was a tougher challenge. Despite experiencing leg pain, Kurugliev managed to secure a takedown in the first period and controlled the rest of the match.

"I had leg pain, so I had to be careful, that’s why I tried to defend more," Kurugliev said. "Even though there was a risky score of 3-1, everything was under control. I was controlling the situation."

Since has been out of the international for more than two years, Kurugliev was asked if it mattered who he faced in the finals.

"I was ready to wrestle anybody, it didn’t matter to me if I wrestled him before or not," Kurugliev said. "I had to prove that I am number one. I hadn’t wrestled internationally at the European or World Championships for quite a long time, so I had to prove it."

Kurugliev last competed in the European or World Championships in 2018, where he finished fifth at 86kg. He lost to David TAYLOR (USA) in the semifinals and Hassan YAZDANI (IRI) in the bronze medal bout.

"We keep working on our mistakes together with my coach Gaidar Gaidarov," he said. "After 2018, I have been waiting to wrestle both Hassan Yazdani and David Taylor and take revenge for my loss. I hope I’ll do it."

RESULTS

61kg
GOLD: Arsen HARUTYUNYAN (ARM) df. Zelimkhan ABAKAROV (ALB), 5-2

BRONZE: Shota PHARTENADZE (GEO) df. Taras MARKOVYCH (UKR), 6-5
BRONZE: Emrah ORMANOGLU (TUR) df. Arman ELOYAN (FRA), 2-1

74kg
GOLD: Taimuraz SALKAZANOV (SVK) df. Frank CHAMIZO (ITA), 3-1

BRONZE: Soner DEMIRTAS (TUR) df. Ali UMARPASHAEV (BUL), via injury default
BRONZE: Avtandil KENTCHADZE (GEO) df. Hrayr ALIKHANYAN (ARM), 8-0

86kg
GOLD: Dauren KURUGLIEV (GRE) df. Myles AMINE (SMR), 3-1

BRONZE: Sebastian JEZIERZANSKI (POL) df. Georgii RUBAEV (MDA), 1-1
BRONZE: Abubakr ABAKAROV (AZE) df. Boris MAKOEV (SVK), 7-4

92kg
GOLD: Feyzullah AKTURK (TUR) df. Osman NURMAGOMEDOV (AZE), 5-2

BRONZE: Ermak KARDANOV (SVK) df. Matthew FINESILVER (ISR), 6-0
BRONZE: Miriani MAISURADZE (GEO) df. Illia ARCHAIA (UKR), 7-2

125kg
GOLD: Taha AKGUL (TUR) df. Geno PETRIASHVILI (GEO), 9-4

BRONZE: Daniel LIGETI (HUN) df. Azamat KHOSONOV (GRE), 6-2
BRONZE: Giorgi MESHVILDISHVILI (AZE) df. Abraham CONYEDO (ITA), 7-4

Semifinals

50kg
GOLD: Mariya STADNIK (AZE) vs. Oksana LIVACH (UKR)

SF 1: Mariya STADNIK (AZE) df. Anna LUKASIAK (POL), 9-0
SF 2: Oksana LIVACH (UKR) df. Miglena SELISHKA (BUL), 3-2

55kg
GOLD: Erika BOGNAR (HUN) vs. Andreea ANA (ROU)

SF 1: Andreea ANA (ROU) df. Katarzyna KRAWCZYK (POL), 10-4
SF 2: Erika BOGNAR (HUN) df. Annika WENDLE (GER), 6-2

59kg
GOLD: Anastasia NICHITA (MDA) vs. Yuliia TKACH (UKR)

SF 1: Yuliia TKACH (UKR) df. Alyona KOLESNIK (AZE), 10-0
SF 2: Anastasia NICHITA (MDA) df. Eda TEKIN (TUR), 10-0

68kg
GOLD: Yuliana YANEVA (BUL) vs. Alla BELINSKA (UKR)

SF 1: Alla BELINSKA (UKR) df. Koumba LARROQUE (FRA), via fall
SF 2: Yuliana YANEVA (BUL) df. Adela HANZLICKOVA (CZE), via inj. def.

76kg
GOLD: Yasemin ADAR (TUR) vs. Martina KUENZ (AUT)

SF 1: Martina KUENZ (AUT) df. Cynthia VESCAN (FRA), 2-1
SF 2: Yasemin ADAR (TUR) df. Anastasiia OSNIACH (UKR), 14-4

#WrestleZagreb

Tevanyan closer to first Euro title, Azerbaijan dominates Day 1

Monday, April 17, 2023 - 20:18 By Vinay Siwach

ZAGREB, Croatia (April 17) -- United World Wrestling commentator George RAMM explained what makes Vagzen TEVANYAN (ARM) successful at 65kg. On air for the European Championships, Ramm said that getting close to Tevanyan can prove catastrophic. Rather, one should stay in a standing position and force Tevanyan to open up. Ramm was speaking with experience as he had wrestled Tevanyan in 2019.

One would wish Erik ARUSHANIAN (UKR) knew this before his semifinal against Tevanyan at 65kg in Zagreb, Croatia. He played into Tevanyan's strengths and suffered a 12-4 loss.

The U23 world champion was wrestling at his first European Championships in four years as he last wrestled in 2019, finishing 11th. But his rise in the ranks in the last two years was once again underlined by his performance on Monday.

Since his last European Championships, Tevanyan has wrestled at the Olympics, won the Individual World Cup in 2020, and won the U23 Worlds in 2022 after being in the final in 2021. So a run to the final in Zagreb was expected.

Tevanyan reached his first-ever European Championships final after a fruitful day as he defeated Joshua FINESILVER (ISR) 10-0 in his opening bout and Ali RAHIMZADE (AZE) 4-1 in the quarterfinals.

In the semifinal against Arushanian, Tevanyan began with some solid defense before getting an arm drag and go behind, adding a gut wrench for a 4-0 lead. He then sat on that lead for some time even as Arushanian tried finding an opening.

But using his experience, Tevanyan got another takedown and roll to extend his lead 8-0. In the same sequence, he tried to push Arushanian out and thought he did but the Ukrainian hadn't stepped out and scored a takedown to cut the lead to 8-2 at the break.

Tevanyan got a single leg with an exceptional move which he converted into a stepout. Arushanian scored a takedown with a duck under to keep himself in the match, however, his next attempt was blocked by Tevanyan who scored a go behind. He added a stepout to win 12-4.

He will now be looking to place his name among the best in Europe by winning the gold on Tuesday.

Mikyay NAIM (BUL) reached the final at 65kg, confirming his first European medal. (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

Mikyay NAIM (BUL) will look to stop Tevanyan from doing so and create history himself by becoming his country's first freestyle European champion in 18 years. By reaching the final, he confirmed his first European medal.

Wrestling Stefan COMAN (ROU) in the semifinal, Naim scored via a step over and cartwheel, giving him four. Coman was also penalized for passivity and he got on a desperate takedown attempt which was easily countered by Naim who moved ahead with a 7-0 win.

With the 65kg defending champion Iszmail MUSZUKAJEV (HUN) sitting out due to an infection and silver medalist Haji ALIYEV (AZE) moving up to 70kg, it gave a chance for others to seize the opportunity and win the title.

Moments after Naim reached the final, Ramazan RAMAZANOV (BUL) also reached the final, at 70kg after beating Ihor NYKYFORUK (UKR) 14-4 in the semifinal. He too will have a chance to end the 18-year title drought for Bulgaria on Tuesday.

In the semifinal, it did not look like easy sailing for Ramazanov at the start as Nykyforuk used a trap-arm gut for two and two. But as Nykyforuk fizzled out, Ramazanov got on the scoreboard with a takedown and added a turn using the bow-and-arrow technique.

An elbow pass in the second period gave him two more, and a gut wrench made it 8-4. Nykyforuk tried an ankle shot but he did not have the energy to stand up and push forward. Ramazanov happily scored a go-behind before closing out the bout 14-4.

With history on the line, Ramazanov will face his toughest test yet in three-time world champion Aliyev who reached the final from the other side of the bracket.

Haji ALIYEV (AZE) Trademark Haji ALIYEV (AZE) escape he performed in the 70kg semifinal. (Photo: UWW / Kostadin Andonov)

Though not at 65kg, Aliyev still reached the final for a second consecutive year as he won the 70kg semifinal against Vasile DIACON (MDA) 4-1 and earned a shot at winning his fifth continental title, with the last two coming in 2019, one at European Championships and other at the Games in the same year.

The Tokyo Olympic silver medalist began his season at 70kg, incidentally at the Ranking Series in Zagreb and finished with a silver medal. He was expected to be at 65kg for the Euros but decided against it.

“This is my second tournament of the year,” Aliyev said. “The coaches have decided that I will move to 65kg for the Worlds championships. We were thinking that for this European Championships and other tournaments, it wasn't so important to cut weight. I think I am doing quite good at 70kg as well.”

Indeed that was the case as Aliyev managed to navigate through the field and reach the final with some controlled, yet aggressive wrestling, in Zagreb.

The prime example was in the semifinal as Aliyev teased Diacon, allowing him to get on the single leg on multiple occasions. However, he did not let Diacon score a single point. The only point scored by Diacon was Aliyev's passivity in the first period.

On one occasion, the Moldovan managed to get on a deep shot and transitioned into a standing go behind which Aliyev, as we have seen in the past, flexed his way out of the lock. Diacon was left stunned, thinking about what he needed to do to get Aliyev to give up a point. This is despite Aliyev wrestling at a weight class above his preferred category.

“It's a bit tough for me to wrestle in 70kg weight class,” he said. “They are physically very strong, they usually have to cut 4-5 kilos. I made the decision to wrestle technically and I think I tricked them and won.”

Those tricks were on display in the second period as well. Aliyev scored a takedown and took a step back in the second period, waiting for Diacon to initiate moves. Diacon got hold of Aliyev's legs four times but failed to finish, as if in awe of his fancied opponent's skills to defend every shot.

Aliyev managed a late takedown with a misdirection shot and got the 4-1 win, reaching his second straight final moments after another of his teammate did the same.

“The guy who qualified for the 57kg final was also at the European final last year,” he said about Aliabbas RZAZADE (AZE). “I think we will have two more finalists today at 79kg and 97kg. Four finalists for us on the first day is okay.”

Aliabbas RZAZADE (AZE) Aliabbas RZAZADE (AZE) made it to back-to-back European finals at 57kg. (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

Aliyev was off by one though in his prediction. Apart from Rzazade, Magomedkhan MAGOMEDOV (AZE) reached the final at 97kg while Sabuhi AMIRASLANOV (AZE) suffered a defeat in the 79kg semifinal.

Rzazade will have a chance to win his first European Championships gold medal after returning to the final. He finished with a silver medal in 2022.

Rzazade dealt with a stiff semifinal against Simone PIRODDU (ITA) who almost upset the former U23 world champion.

After knocking off Horst LEHR (GER) via fall in the quarterfinal, Rzazade would have wished for an easier path to the final but Piroddu put on a fight despite giving up the first six points.

Rzazade burst into action with the word go and locked Piroddu's hands to get exposure for two. He then got a takedown and high gut for a 6-0 lead. At this point, Piroddu looked clueless. He took some time to regain his composure and then got to business, scoring a single-leg takedown to make it 6-2. A duck under made it 6-4 before Piroddu added a roll with an ankle pick to lead 6-6 criteria.

Piroddu began the second period with stepout to get an outright 7-6 lead. That was short-lived as Rzazade got a takedown but Piroddu scored a reversal. The lead, however, had switched hands and Rzazade led 8-8 on criteria.

A duck under attempt from Piroddu is countered by Rzazade with a chest wrap throw. It was scored two but Azerbaijan challenged the call and on review, it was changed to four points as he got the move from standing. It was easy to defend the 12-8 score from there and make the final.

Rzazade, who lost to Vladimir EGOROV (MKD) in the final last year, will face Suleyman ATLI (TUR), an even more challenging opponent.

Suleyman ATLI (TUR) Suleyman ATLI (TUR) reached his fifth straight European finals on Monday. (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

A consistent performer at the European Championships, Atli reached his fifth straight final at the tournament and will now be looking for his third title. He had performed at 61kg last year and finished with a silver medal.

Fresh off the Ranking Series win in Alexandria, Atli scored a thrilling 5-4 win over Georgi VANGELOV (BUL) before dispatching Roberti DINGASHVILI (GEO) 13-1 in the semifinal.

Atli broke the deadlock with a takedown before Dingashvili scored a stepout to make it 2-1 at the break. But Atli broke loose in the second period with a deep shot and made it into a double leg to get two. He added two rolls to lead 8-1. He then scored a back exposure four to win 12-1. Georgia challenged and lost, adding one more point to the score.

Of the two silver medalists from the last edition, one is guaranteed gold this year.

Magomedkhan MAGOMEDOV (AZE) Magomedkhan MAGOMEDOV (AZE) hits a double leg on Vladislav BAITCAEV (HUN) in the semifinal. (Photo: UWW / Kostadin Andonov)

Magomed will be looking to defend his 97kg title as he faces Givi MATCHARASHVILI (GEO) in the final Tuesday.

In a near-perfect performance on Monday, Magomed defeated Benjamin HONIS (ITA) 12-2, Samuel SCHERRER (SUI) 11-0 and Vladislav BAITCAEV (HUN) 6-0 in his three bouts.

Baitcaev and Magomed met in finals last year which the latter won and the story was similar on Monday as he defeated Baitcaev in the semifinal without much trouble.

He shot for a double leg early in the semifinal and then managed to turn Baitcaev just inside the zone to lead 4-0 at the break. Baitcaev never looked like in the bout and gave up another double in the second period and Magomed's 6-0 win took him to the finals.

Givi MATCHARASHVILI (GEO) Givi MATCHARASHVILI (GEO) defeated Murazi MCHEDLIDZE (UKR) to reach the final at 97kg. (Photo: UWW / Kostadin Andonov)

Matcharashvili will look to upset Magomed in what will be the battle of two world bronze medalists from 2022. The Georgian will fancy his chances against Magomedkhan, going by his performance so far.

He began with an 11-0 win over Radu LEFTER (MDA) before eking out a 4-3 win over Ibrahim CIFCTI (TUR) in the quarterfinals. Murazi MCHEDLIDZE (UKR) was the next to fall against Matcharashvili in the semifinal.

Mchedlidze was called passive in the semifinal which gave the opening point to Matcharashvili who then got an outside single and scored a takedown after some resistance from Mchedlidze.

He got three turns from par terre and made it 9-0 and was interrupted on the fourth attempt as the time ran out. He gave up a stepout in the second period but that was all as he clinched the semifinal 9-1.

Earlier in the day, Mchedlidze stunned world silver medalist Batyrbek TCAKULOV (SVK) 6-4 in the opening round. Tcakulov was put on the shot clock and as he tried to shoot, Mchedlidze threw his legs behind and circled to score a takedown. He added two gut wrenches to lead 5-0.

Tcakulov got a double in the second period but failed to tie a leg lace and the two wrestlers went back into neutral. After spending too much time trying to find a way to score, Tcakulov hit another double-leg attack but Mchedlidze had his arm around Tcakulov's leg. He did get the two points to close the gap to 5-4 but had only 22 seconds to score a point and win.

Mchedlidze did enough to not get called by the referee for fleeing and Tcakulov failed to get any points. He did challenge a final scramble, hoping for a stepout but it was not to be.

Comeback kid

In what was the match of the day, defending champion Georgios KOUGIOUMTSIDIS (GRE) rallied from 10-2 to beat Arman AVAGYAN (ARM) 12-10 in an epic semifinal at 79kg.

Kougioumtsidis fell behind after Avagyan scored a takedown in the period. But both wrestlers were happy to keep it slow for the remaining time of the first period, a trend in their previous bouts as well.

But all hell broke loose in the second period as Avagyan went for a stunning ankle pick. He did not get any points but never let go of Kougioumtsidis' leg, ultimately scoring a takedown using a trip and adding a roll to make it 6-0 with 2:20 remaining on the clock.

Kougioumtsidids got on a single leg but Avagyan used back exposure to score four points to win 10-0. However, Greece challenged and won as the review showed that Kougioumtsidis also got exposure over Avagyan. He was awarded two points and Avagyan now led 10-2. This was with 1:58 remaining in the bout.

Avagyan then went into defensive as he struggled for breath and Kougioumtsidis scored a takedown by stepping over to cut the lead to 10-4. Both wrestlers were hand locked for a few seconds before Kougioumtsidis got the takedown. He did not try any other move and asked for the neutral position with 38 seconds left.

Kougioumtsidis got a go behind with 24 seconds and added two trap-arm guts even as Avagyan tried defending the roll. The match had turned on its head as Kougioumtsidis now led 12-10 with just 12 seconds left. Avagyan sat in disbelief as Kougioumtsidis celebrated an unexpected win after the 10-2 scoreline.

This was in contrast to the U23 World Championships bronze medal bout which Avagyan won 6-4 in October 2022. More recently, Avagyan defeated Kougioumtsidis 13-7 in the repechage of the Ibrahim Moustafa Ranking Series event.

Vasyl MYKHAILOV (UKR) reached the final at 79kg after beating Sabuhi AMIRASLANOV (AZE). (Photo: UWW / Kostadin Andonov)

Kougioumtsidis will now wrestle Vasyl MYKHAILOV (UKR) in the final as the latter defeated
Sabuhi AMIRASLANOV (AZE) 5-2 in the other semifinal.

Amiraslanov reached the semifinal after beating U23 world champion Vladimeri GAMKRELIDZE (GEO) 10-0 while Mykhailov defeated Hetik CABOLOV (SRB) 8-1.

Mykhailov and Amiraslanov did not have a thrilling semifinal as the former controlled much of the action against an injured Amiraslanov who never felt he could complete the bout.

Mykhailov will be starting out as the favorite against Kougioumtsidis as he defeated the U23 European champion 10-0 twice last year -- in the quarterfinal of the World Championships and at the Matteo Pellicone.

RESULTS

57kg
GOLD: Aliabbas RZAZADE (AZE) vs. Suleyman ATLI (TUR)

SF 1: Aliabbas RZAZADE (AZE) df. Simone PIRODDU (ITA), 12-8
SF 2: Suleyman ATLI (TUR) df. Roberti DINGASHVILI (GEO), 13-1

65kg
GOLD: Vazgen TEVANYAN (ARM) vs. Mikyay NAIM (BUL)

SF 1: Vazgen TEVANYAN (ARM) df. Erik ARUSHANIAN (UKR), 12-4
SF 2: Mikyay NAIM (BUL) df. Stefan COMAN (ROU), 7-0

70kg
GOLD: Haji ALIYEV (AZE) vs. Ramazan RAMAZANOV (BUL)

SF 1: Haji ALIYEV (AZE) df. Vasile DIACON (MDA), 4-1
SF 2: Ramazan RAMAZANOV (BUL) df. Ihor NYKYFORUK (UKR), 14-4

79kg
GOLD: Vasyl MYKHAILOV (UKR) vs. Georgios KOUGIOUMTSIDIS (GRE)

SF 1: Vasyl MYKHAILOV (UKR) df. Sabuhi AMIRASLANOV (AZE), 5-2
SF 2: Georgios KOUGIOUMTSIDIS (GRE) df. Arman AVAGYAN (ARM), 12-10

97kg
GOLD: Givi MATCHARASHVILI (GEO) vs. Magomedkhan MAGOMEDOV (AZE)

SF 1: Givi MATCHARASHVILI (GEO) df. Murazi MCHEDLIDZE (UKR), 9-1
SF 2: Magomedkhan MAGOMEDOV (AZE) df. Vladislav BAITCAEV (HUN), 6-0

Harutyunyan stuns Abakarov, Akgul reigns again at Euros

Comments

Tevanyan closer to first Euro title, Azerbaijan dominates Day 1