Iran, USA share top honors at Zagreb Open

Wednesday, February 1, 2023 - 22:06 By Vinay Siwach

ZAGREB, Croatia (February 1) -- For those who watched Hassan YAZDANI (IRI) wrestle on Wednesday, the most difficult task would be to find a chink in his armor. Sure, Hayato ISHIGURO (JPN) managed to score a takedown on Yazdani using a powerful single leg to go behind. Barring that moment in which he was caught off-guard, Yazdani opened his season with a 44-2 routing of his opponents to win the gold medal at the Zagreb Open Ranking Series event.

In his first tournament since the loss to David TAYLOR (USA) in the World Championships final last year, Yazdani was at his usual calm on the mat and managed to run through the 86kg field in Zagreb.

The season-opening Ranking Series event is the first under the new rule of a two-kilogram allowance for wrestlers and offers prize money to the medal winners.

Yazdani, along with five other gold medalists, pocketed 1500 Swiss Francs while the silver medalists got 750 Swiss Francs. The two bronze medalists in each of the six weight classes got 500 Swiss Francs each.

Ishiguro, who surprised many by reaching the final at 86kg, opened the score in the final against Yazdani but as the Iranian continued his high-pressure, underhook dominated game, Ishiguro had no answers.

Yazdani scored via pushouts combined with two takedowns for a 7-2 lead. Ishiguro tried a bodylock, but Yazdani managed to counter it with a four before a double leg to win 13-2.

After the final, Ishiguro said that he tried saving his stamina against Yazdani which stopped him from giving his 100 percent in the final.

Reza ATRI (IRI) won the 61kg gold medal. (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

This was Iran's second gold of the night as Reza ATRI (IRI) won the 61kg gold over Narankhuu NARMANDAKH (MGL). While he only led 5-3 at the break, Atri dominated the second period and gave no chance to Narmandakh. He used an underhook to four to secure the fall in the final.

The USA also won two gold medals as Alec PANTALEO (USA) scored his second career win over Haji ALIYEV (AZE) and Jason NOLF (USA) impressed in his 3-3 win over World Championships bronze medalist Yones EMAMI (IRI).

At 70kg, Pantaleo faced Aliyev and rode high on confidence as he defeated Aliyev at the Polan Open Ranking Series event in 2021. Taking lessons from that bout, Pantaleo did not let Aliyev use the snapdown from the wrist and came out on top 5-2.

Alec PANTALEO (USA) secured his second career win over Haji ALIYEV (AZE). (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

While Pantaleo acknowledged the size and strength difference between him and Aliyev, who usually wrestles at 65kg, he said his skill set of Aliyev makes him very dangerous.

Pantaleo scored a takedown before an activity point gave him a 3-0 lead at the break. Aliyev managed to score a takedown early in the second period but his attempts to snap Pantaleo did not work. The American got two more points when Aliyev made a desperate attempt in the final few seconds.

Nolf's final against Emami at 74kg was much closer as his takedown in the second period proved to be the difference in the bout. He also made sure to not give up a takedown when Emami was pressuring him. Emami scored three stepouts which were not enough.

In the post-match interview, Nolf explained that in the past, he missed closing out tight matches so a win in such a bout was a confidence booster.

Aliabbas RZAZADE (AZE) won the gold medal at 57kg over Yuto NISHIUCHI (JPN). (Photo: UWW / Kostadin Andonov)

The first gold medal of the day went to Aliabbas RZAZADE (AZE), who ended the dream run of U20 world champion Yuto NISHIUCHI (JPN) by winning the final 2-0. Rzazade looked like the wrestler to beat in the weight class despite some hiccups on the way to the final.

He began with Wanhao ZOU (CHN) and came out of it with a 14-8 before beating compatriot Islam BAZARGANOV (AZE) 10-0 in the quarterfinal. He did survive a scare against Beka BUJIASHVILI (GEO) in the semifinals but managed to win 4-2.

Nishiuchi entered the final from the other side of the bracket with impressive wins over Darian CRUZ (PUR), Zane RICHARDS (USA) and U23 world champion AMAN (IND). He gave up points in all three bouts but scored a lot of his own as well.

But when the 18-year-old met Rzazade in the final, he failed to break the defense of the former U23 world champion. Rzazade got a passivity point in the first period and when Nishiuchi up the ante in the second, Rzazade scrapped out a stepout to win 2-0 in a tight final.

Tulga TUMUR-OCHIR (MGL) defeated Joseph MCKENNA (USA) in the 65kg final. (Photo: UWW / Kostadin Andonov)

Tumur Ochir wins 65kg

Not much weight is put on Tulga TUMUR OCHIR (MGL)'s name but he showed that he is yet another contender in the ever-strong 65kg as he won the gold in Zagreb.

He came out with some nasty finishes using his underhooks, defeating Ismail MUSUKAEV (HUN) in the semifinal and later scoring a 4-1 win over Joseph MCKENNA (USA) in the final.

The underhook was the lethal weapon that his opponents had no counter to. McKenna was toe-to-toe with Tumur Ochir but could not stop him from scoring takedowns on either side of the break. McKenna scored a stepout late in the bout but it was not enough.

ALL PHOTOS: DAY 1 Zagreb Open

RESULTS

57kg
GOLD: Aliabbas RZAZADE (AZE) df. Yuto NISHIUCHI (JPN), 2-0

BRONZE: AMAN (IND) df. Zane RICHARDS (USA), 10-4
BRONZE: Beka BUJIASHVILI (GEO) df. Islam BAZARGANOV (AZE), 4-4

61kg
GOLD: Reza ATRI (IRI) df. Narankhuu NARMANDAKH (MGL), via fall

BRONZE: Emrah ORMANOGLU (TUR) df. Adam BIBOULATOV (FRA), 10-0
BRONZE: Gamzatgadzhi KHALIDOV (HUN) df. Shota PHARTENADZE (GEO), 8-2

65kg
GOLD: Tulga TUMUR OCHIR (MGL) df. Joseph MC KENNA (USA), 4-1

BRONZE: Evan HENDERSON (USA) df. Ismail MUSUKAEV (HUN), via fall (10-14)
BRONZE: Ali RAHIMZADA (AZE) df. Ryoma ANRAKU (JPN), 12-1

70kg
GOLD: Alec PANTALEO (USA) df. Haji ALIYEV (AZE), 5-2

BRONZE: Giorgi ELBAKIDZE (GEO) df. Temuulen ENKHTUYA (MGL), 8-2
BRONZE: Khadzhimurad GADZHIYEV (AZE) df. Vishal KALIRAMANA (IND), 10-0

74kg
GOLD: Jason NOLF (USA) df. Yones EMAMI (IRI), 3-3

BRONZE: Dzhabrail GADZHIEV (AZE) df. Murad KURAMAGOMEDOV (HUN), 5-0
BRONZE: Fazli ERYILMAZ (TUR) df. Joseph LAVALLEE (USA), 6-4

86kg
GOLD: Hassan YAZDANI (IRI) df. Hayato ISHIGURO (JPN), 13-2

BRONZE: Zahid VALENCIA (USA) df. Myles AMINE (SMR), 6-0
BRONZE: Mark HALL (USA) df. Abubakr ABAKAROV (AZE), 7-3

#JapanWrestling

Ono Interview: On Comeback, Penn State, Folkstyle, 2028 LA Olympics

Tuesday, May 26, 2026 - 11:19 By Vinay Siwach

TOKYO (May 24) -- Where is Masanosuke ONO (JPN)?

A question that has intrigued both fans and wrestlers alike as Ono continues to missing from international wrestling since he became the world champion at 61kg in 2024.

Ono watched the Meiji Cup 2026 in Tokyo as he was in Japan to change his United States visa. Since he did not participate in the 2025 Emperor's Cup, Ono was ineligible to participate in the Meiji Cup.

United World Wrestling caught up with Ono on the sidelines of the Meiji Cup in Tokyo. Ono talks about his comeback, plan for 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, life at Penn State and more:

Excerpts:

- Why did you not participate in the Meiji Cup

Ono: I suppose it’s only natural that I can’t play because I don’t have the right to do so. That’s just the way things are in Japan. I’m aiming to make a comeback so that I can play in the next Emperor’s Cup and Meiji Cup. This has been a good period of preparation for that.

- How are your preparation for the comeback?

Ono: I’m feeling pretty much back to normal now, so I’m absolutely fine. It’s just that I haven’t competed much since the World Championships ended about two years ago, and there’s a part of me that simply can’t suppress the urge to get back out there. So I’m really looking forward to getting back into competition soon and giving it my all.

- When will you compete next?

Ono: I’ll be aiming to qualify [for Emperor's Cup]. As for the weight class, I’m thinking of competing in the 61kg category at the Shakaijin Championships. [The Shakaijin Championships will be held on July 11]. Once I’ve qualified, I’m not quite sure yet whether I’ll move down a weight class, stay in the same one, or move up, but I’m planning to set myself some clear goals.

Masanosuke ONO (JPN) giving interview on the sidelines of the Meiji Cup. (Photo: wrestling-spirits.jp / Ikuo Higuchi)

- How challenging life is at Penn State in the United States?

Ono: I imagine there are plenty of challenges. The rules of wrestling are different there, so there’s a lot to learn. I’m always being taught and helped by others. When it comes to what I’ve actually taken on board, it’s obviously wrestling. As for other aspects of school life, I wasn’t really the type who was naturally good at studying. I’m currently studying philosophy at a university in the United States, and whilst it’s a bit tricky, I’m doing my best in my own way.

- What is your daily routine?

Ono: I have practice in the morning, then I go to lessons, then there’s another practice session around midday, and then in the evening - or rather, in the late afternoon - I study with the translator.

- How's your experience at Penn State and Folkstyle?

Ono: I do a lot of Folkstyle, and I do a bit of Freestyle as well, but there’s so much to learn that I’m still very much a novice. When it comes to training, coach Cael SANDERSON, and his brother Cody, who’s also a coach, as well as Casey CUNNINGHAM and Nick LEE. Everyone, both the students and my flat mates, are really strong, so I’m learning a hell of a lot from them.

There really are so many movements that are unique to Folkstyle, I still feel a bit of a gap there. But once I’ve got the hang of it, I reckon I’ll be able to grow even more myself without losing sight of the good bits. If I just focus on that one thing, it’ll disappear, so I’m thinking I’ll keep 95 per cent of my style exactly as it is and just add a few bits here and there.

Masanosuke ONO (JPN)

Masanosuke ONO (JPN) showing his grades.

- Do you like studying Philosophy?

Ono: Philosophy. No, I don’t really get it. (Ono scored a remarkable 3.74 CGPA in his last semester).

- Why did you decide to wrestle Folkstyle?

Ono: I want to do Folkstyle more because I like Folkstyle more than Freestyle right now. I was world champ maybe two years ago, but I know Freestyle like 95 percent but Folkstyle, that I don't know. So I mean, I just I'm excited compete Folkstyle more than Freestyle right now.

- When will you compete for Penn State and why have you not yet?

Ono: I don't know why. If the coaches say you go, I go. I am learning for maybe just one year. It's kind of hard.

- Marcus BLAZE (USA) is your roommate. What you learn from him?

Ono: He's my roommate and in my weight. He's great guy. He's my weight maybe. I learn a lot from him. He likes pickleball. He likes something like outside. I cannot drive. I don't have license. So he drive me around there.

- If you want to go to 2028 LA Olympics, what is the path for you? If it's at 57kg, will you take inspiration from Rei HIGUCHI (JPN) who made it at 57kg for Paris?

Ono: I compete at December competition because of 2028 Olympics trial. I have to. I mean my weight like around 64kg so maybe this difficult. Living in America, when the Olympics are held here, you can’t exactly just give up on the idea of competing, you can’t just walk away from it. But when it comes to the Olympics, at 57 or 65kg, with the 8kgs mark being a key hurdle, it’s certainly a challenge. So I thought I’d just have to take it step by step, listening to my body as I go along. I’m not really that bothered about winning or losing. I just want to wrestle, so to be honest, it doesn’t really matter.

Higuchi is amazing. I am sure he is mentally tough. I like to eat and I like chipotle.

- Which weight class are you aiming for?

Ono: If [Rei] Higuchi were to join us at 57kg, I’d be absolutely chuffed. I’d be just as chuffed if we played with Higuchi at 65kg, or with [Kotaro] Kiyooka at 65kg. I’m not sure about [Toshihiro] Hasegawa, but I reckon [Rin] Sakamoto would be there. Wouldn’t it be brilliant if they all got together?

Iran, USA share top honors at Zagreb Open

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Ono Interview: On Comeback, Penn State, Folkstyle, 2028 LA Olympics