#WrestleRome

LIVE BLOG: Matteo Pellicone Ranking Series, Day Two

By United World Wrestling Press

Three new Greco-Roman champions and four new women's wrestling champions on day two of action at the Matteo Pellicone Ranking Series. Erica WIEBE (CAN) defended her 76kg title in a dominant fashion while Tamyra Mariama STOCK MENSAH (USA) improved on her silver-medal finish last year to win the gold this time. Canada finished with three medals in women's wrestling including two gold.

Action will continue on day three with remaining six women's weight categories and two men's freestyle categories. Don't forget to tune in at 1030 hrs local time.

WATCH: Matteo Pellicone Ranking Series Day Two Finals

FINALS' MATCH ORDER

2038 hrs: GOLD MEDAL! Erica Wiebe defends her gold medal in style! A 10-0 technical superiority win over Samar Hamza closes out the day in Rome. Some total control mode from Wiebe there

2034 hrs: Another slow start from Wiebe as she is warned for passivity at the 1:45 mark. But she gets going in the activity period and tosses Hamza for a four! She leads 4-0 going into the break

2028 hrs: Elmira SYZDYKOVA (KAZ) wins the second bronze medal at 76kg. She pulls off a good 6-0 win against Aline DA SILVA FERREIRA (BRA). This now takes us to the final bout of the day. Olympic and defending champion at Matteo Pellicone Erica Wiebe (CAN) is up against Samar HAMZA (EGY)

2022 hrs: Enrica RINALDI (ITA) with a quick technical superiority 10-0 win over Matilde CALDARELLI (ITA) to capture the bronze medal at 76kg

2018 hrs: Final weight for the day. The bronze medal bouts at 76kg are underway. On Mat A, two local wrestlers are battling it out. Matilde CALDARELLI (ITA) is wrestling teammate Enrica RINALDI (ITA). The other bout is Aline DA SILVA FERREIRA (BRA) against Elmira SYZDYKOVA (KAZ) on Mat B

2013 hrs: GOLD MEDAL! Tamyra Mariama STOCK MENSAH (USA) manages to turn the colour of her medal to gold. She lost in the final last year but this time she is going home with a gold. A dominant 11-0 win over Mimi Nikolova HRISTOVA (BUL)

2010 hrs: Mensah goes for the right leg and then ties a double. Hristova defends but Mensah is too strong for her. The judges give her two and two. She then gets an exposure. Bulgaria challenge the call. 

2008 hrs: Incredible from Mensah-Stock. She defends a leg attack and circles back to complete a takedown. Hristova goes for another desperate attack but Mensah is sitting deep. She scores two more. The US wrestlers leads 4-0 at the break

2005 hrs: World champion Tamyra Mariama STOCK MENSAH (USA) is up against Mimi Nikolova HRISTOVA (BUL). Mensah-Stock was silver medalist last year in Rome

2002 hrs: Di Bacco with a snap down go behind to make it 4-4 before a single leg drag for a takedown. She holds on to the 6-4 lead to give Canada a bronze medal at 68kg

1958 hrs: Glaude came up with a shoulder throw to take a 4-2 lead against di Bacco going into the break at the bronze medal bout

1954 hrs: Moving into the 68kg medal matches. Sofiya Hristova GEORGIEVA (BUL) will receive the first bronze medal as Adela HANZLICKOVA (CZE) is ruled out due to injury. On Mat B, Alexandria Junis GLAUDE (USA) is up against Olivia Grace DI BACCO (CAN)

#WrestleRome 62kg WW Medal Match Results
?Michelle FAZZARI?? df. Marianna SASTIN ??, 2-1
?Lais NUNES?? df. Irina KUZNETSOVA ??, 6-1

— United World Wrestling (@wrestling) March 5, 2021

1950 hrs: GOLD MEDAL! Michelle FAZZARI (CAN) is the champion at 62kg as she beats Marianna SASTIN (HUN) 2-1 in the final. All three points were for passivity. 

1948 hrs: This time it's Fazzari on the shot and she will give up a point for passivity. Sastin now leads 1-1 on criteria. No wrestler is able to score and the referee warns Sastin again with a minute remaining. Fazzari up 2-1 with 20 seconds to go

1943 hrs: Sastin is the first one to get the warning for passivity and she is put on the shot clock. Sastin fails to score and Fazzari gets the point. She will go into the break leading 1-0

1941 hrs: The gold medal match at 62kg. Marianna SASTIN (HUN) a former world champion and one of the veterans on the Hungary wrestling team. She is up against former World bronze medalist Michelle FAZZARI (CAN)

1940 hrs: Lais NUNES DE OLIVEIRA (BRA) controls the entire bronze medal bout against Irina KUZNETSOVA (KAZ) and wins the medal with a 6-2 victory 

1930 hrs: Bronze medal bout for 62kg. Lais NUNES DE OLIVEIRA (BRA) is taking on Irina KUZNETSOVA (KAZ). She is the first one to open the lead and gets a takedown. The Brazilian will go into the break leading 3-0

 

#WrestleRome 57kg WW Medal Match Results
?Giullia RODRIGUES ??df. Sarita SARITA ??, 4-2
?Francesca INDELICATO ?? df. Anshu ANSHU ??, via inj. def.
?Emma TISSINA ??df. Altynay SATYLGAN ??, 1-1

— United World Wrestling (@wrestling) March 5, 2021

 

1927 hrs: GOLD MEDAL! Giullia RODRIGUES PENALBER DE OLIVEIRA (BRA) wins the gold at 57kg. She makes a comeback from 0-2 down to win the medal 4-2 against SARITA (IND)

1925 hrs: Sarita goes off balance and de Oliveira is goes to go behind and get two points and the lead. Sarita with a desperate attack in the final 20 seconds but de Oliveira was ready for it. She circles back and gets two more.

1920 hrs: Final bout of the 57kg weight with SARITA (IND) taking on Giullia RODRIGUES PENALBER DE OLIVEIRA (BRA). Sarita on the offensive from the beginning and gets the first score for a stepout. de Oliveia is put on the shot clock. She fails to score in the 30 second period and Sarita leads 2-0 at the break

1915 hrs: Emma TISSINA (KAZ) holds on to a 1-1 victory against Altynay SATYLGAN (KAZ) to claim the bronze medal at 57kg women's weight category

1910 hrs: Women's medal bouts are underway! At 57kg, teammates, Altynay SATYLGAN (KAZ) is wrestling Emma TISSINA (KAZ) on Mat A. ANSHU (IND) is injured, giving the bronze medal to Francesca INDELICATO (ITA)

1902 hrs: Ten new Greco-Roman champions have been crowned in Rome.

                 55kg Viktor VEDERNIKOV (RUS)
                 60kg Emin SEFERSHAEV (RUS
                 63kg Aidos SULTANGALI (KAZ)
                 67kg Meiirzhan SHERMAKHANBET (KAZ)
                 72kg Robert Attila FRITSCH (HUN)
                 77kg Zolton LEVAI (HUN)
                 82kg Adlan AKIEV (RUS)
                 87kg Istvan TAKACS (HUN)
                 97kg Musa EVLOEV (RUS)
                 130kg Riza KAYAALP (TUR)

1900 hrs: GOLD MEDAL! Adlan AKIEV (RUS) is the tenth and final Greco-Roman champion in Rome! He was warned for passivity but had a stunning par terre defence even though Burhan AKBUDAK (TUR) tried the clinch. Turkey corner even challenged the call. The Turk would be heartbroken as he finishes with yet another silver in Rome. Akiev wins 6-1 

1855 hrs: Akiev with the advantage and he goes a big throw for four! Akbudak was surprised with the suddenness of the move. Akiev leads 5-0 at the break in this 82kg final

1853 hrs: And now for the final Greco-Roman bout of this year's Matteo Pellicone Ranking Series. Russian national champion Adlan AKIEV (RUS) is taking on Burhan AKBUDAK (TUR), a returning silver medalist in Rome 

1852 hrs: Contrasting bronze medals for two Hungary wrestlers. Laszlo SZABO manages to hold on to a close 2-1 win over Salih AYDIN (TUR) while his teammate Tamas LEVAI (HUN) runs to a second-period technical superiority 8-0 win over Matteo MAFFEZZOLI (ITA)

1845 hrs: Szabo holds a single point lead against Aydin going into the break. Levai gets a big throw on Maffezzoli to take a 4-0 lead. Italy challenge the call. Levai gets another point as Italy lose the challenge

1842 hrs: Moving to the 82kg weight category. The bronze medal bouts have Laszlo SZABO (HUN) and Salih AYDIN (TUR) on Mat A and Matteo MAFFEZZOLI (ITA) Tamas LEVAI (HUN) on Mat B

 

#WrestleRome 77kg GR Medal Match Results
?Zoltan LEVAI ?? df. Yunus BASAR ??, 3-1
?Askhat DILMUKHAMEDOV ?? df. Peyton WALSH ??, 8-0
?Tamerlan SHADUKAYEV ?? df. Patrick SMITH ??, via fall

— United World Wrestling (@wrestling) March 5, 2021

 

1838 hrs: GOLD MEDAL! Zolton LEVAI (HUN) defends his title at the Matteo Pellicone with a 3-1 win in the 77kg final against Yunus Emre BASAR (TUR). The takedown proving to the difference for Levai

1835 hrs: Now it's Basar's turn to go par terre. Levai tries hard to get a gut wrench but will could not finish. 1-1 lead Levai on criteria. Levai then goes takedown out of bounds and a two-point lead. 

1830 hrs: Final bout at 77kg between Yunus Emre BASAR (TUR) and Zoltan LEVAI (HUN). Levai gets the passivity warning and Basar has the opportunity to make it count but he cannot. 1-0 lead at the break for Basar

1827 hrs: Quick finishes to the two bronze medal bouts at 77kg! Askhat DILMUKHAMEDOV (KAZ) goes to technical superiority win over Peyton Burke WALSH (USA) in under a minute. Incidentally, the second bout was also between Kazakhstan and USA. Tamerlan SHADUKAYEV (KAZ) gets a pin against Patrick Harrison SMITH (USA)

 

#WrestleRome 72kg GR Medal Match Results
?Robert FRITSCH ?? df. Selcuk CAN ??, 2-2
?Kuldeep MALIK ?? df. Chingiz LABAZANOV ??, 10-0

— United World Wrestling (@wrestling) March 5, 2021

 

1824 hrs: GOLD MEDAL! Robert Attila FRITSCH (HUN) stages a comeback from 0-2 to win the gold medal at 72kg in Rome. Heartbreak for Selcuk CAN (TUR) who was looking to change the colour of his silver medal from last year to gold but goes down 2-2 in the final

1820 hrs: Now Can is warned for passivity. He still leads 2-1. Fritsch is really pushing for action. He brings Can to the danger zone and earns a pushout. Now Fritsch is leading 2-2 on criteria with les than minute to go

1815 hrs: The final of 72kg is between returning silver medalist Selcuk CAN (TUR) and Robert Attila FRITSCH (HUN). Can with the early advantage after Fritsch was warned for passivity. He gets one more for a out of bounds. Can leads 2-0 at the break

1812 hrs: A pushout, takedown and another pushout has given Malik a 10-9 lead in this bronze medal bout. Looks like the Labazanov is trying to catch his breath but Malik will hold on for a 10-9 win for the bronze medal. What a start we have had to the medal matches

1810 hrs: This looked quite comfortable for Labazanov but Malik has got two pushouts and they exchange two points each on a body lock. 9-6 Labazanov

1806 hrs: Labazanov goes for a body-lock throw to finish the bout but lands on his back, giving two to Malik and we have a stoppage for bleeding as the Russian has hurt, what looks like a cut on above his eye. 7-2 for Labazanov at the break

1800 hrs: We are underway! Russian national champion Chingiz LABAZANOV (RUS) is wrestling for the bronze medal against Kuldeep MALIK (IND). Malik gets the first passivity warning and Labazanov gets to work. He goes gut wrench, gut wrench, gut wrench for a 7-0 lead

1750 hrs: Welcome back! We are 10 minutes away from the medal matches in Rome. Kicking off action will be Greco-Roman bronze medal bout at 72kg between Kuldeep MALIK (IND) and Chingiz LABAZANOV (RUS) on Mat A and the gold medal bout on Mat B between Robert Attila FRITSCH (HUN) and Selcuk CAN (TUR)

If you missed the first session, below is a recap. If you are wondering what happened on day one of the competition, here's a video roundup

 

1350 hrs: We will be back after a four-hour break for the finals. You can head over to our Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube to catch the highlights of the morning session

1345 hrs: We are done with our semi-finals! Here's the line-up for finals

Greco-Roman line-up

72kg Robert Attila FRITSCH (HUN) vs Selcuk CAN (TUR)
77kg Yunus Emre BASAR (TUR) vs vs Zoltan LEVAI (HUN) 
82kg Adlan AKIEV (RUS) vs Burhan AKBUDAK (TUR)

Women's Wrestling line-up

57kg SARITA (IND) vs Giullia RODRIGUES (BRA)
62kg Marianna SASTIN (HUN) vs Michelle FAZZARI (CAN)
68kg Mimi Nikolova HRISTOVA (BUL) vs Tamyra MENSAH-STOCK (USA)
76kg Samar HAMZA (EGY) vs Erica WIEBE (CAN)

 

1340 hrs: Third Canada wrestler in the final! Michelle FAZZARI matches teammates Erica WIEBE and Olivia Grace DI BACCO to reach the final. She beats Irina KUZNETSOVA (KAZ) 7-2 in the 62 semi-final. She will wrestle Marianna SASTIN (HUN) in the final

1338 hrs: Tamyra Mariama STOCK MENSAH (USA) will be wrestling for a gold! The returning silver medalist gets a dominant 10-0 win over Sofiya Hritsova GEORGIEVA (BUL). She will try to win her fifth Ranking Series gold medal

1336 hrs: Michelle FAZZARI (CAN) was looking for the pin against Irina KUZNETSOVA (KAZ) but the Kazak wrestler was quick to come and try a pin of her own. Fazzari barely manages to survive that. 5-2 lead for the Canada wrestler

1333 hrs: World champion Mensah-Stock is wrestling her 68kg semi-final against Sofiya Hristova GEORGIEVA (BUL). Two brilliant takedowns for the American and she is up 4-0

1330 hrs: de Oliveira is the winner at 57kg. ANSHU is declared not fit to wrestle after the break as she complains about pain in the hamstring. She is trailing 7-10. She insists she can continue. But the judges think otherwise.

1325 hrs: Another over-the-shoulder throw from de Oliveira. But Anshu spins on head. Brazil corner is asking for four. Referee awards two. Challenge from Brazil but they lose it. 10-5 for Brazil

 

Count 'em! That's two finalists for @WrestlingCanada.

68kg: Olivia Grace DI BACCO??
76kg: Erica Elizabeth WIEBE??https://t.co/zpwxopXS8d

— United World Wrestling (@wrestling) March 5, 2021

 

1322 hrs: Returning silver medalist ANSHU (IND) takes on Giullia RODRIGUES PENALBER DE OLIVEIRA (BRA) in the other 57kg semi-final. The Brazilian starts with a four-point throw and a reversal for Anshu. But de Oliveira goes for another big throw. 8-2 the lead for her

1316 hrs: Erica Wiebe (CAN) into the final with a close 2-0 win against Elmira SYZDYKOVA (KAZ). Not much action in the bout but the Olympic champion controlled the bout throughout. In 57kg, Asian champion SARITA (IND) moves into the final with a win by fall

1315 hrs: Wiebe is holding on to a 2-0 lead with a minute remaining in her semi-final bout. On Mat B, Selcuk CAN (TUR) vs is leading Russian champion Chingiz LABAZANOV 3-0

1310 hrs: Returning champion Erica Wiebe is wrestling her semi-final against Elmira SYZDYKOVA (KAZ) on Mat C. The winner gets to wrestle Samar HAMZA (EGY) in the 76kg final

1305 hrs: Returning gold medalist at 77kg Zolton LEVAI (HUN) storms into the final with an 11-4 win over Tamerlan SHADUKAYEV (KAZ). In the 72kg semi-final Robert Attila FRITSCH (HUN) makes his way to the final with a 5-0 win over Kuldeep MALIK (IND)

1255 hrs: We are rolling into the semi-final bouts for the day! The line-up for WW

57kg (KAZ) Emma TISSINA vs (IND) SARITA
57 kg (IND) ANSHU vs (BRA) Giullia RODRIGUES PENALBER DE OLIVEIRA
62 kg (BRA) Lais NUNES DE OLIVEIRA vs (HUN) Marianna SASTIN
62 kg (CAN) Michelle Christina FAZZARI vs (KAZ) Irina KUZNETSOVA
68 kg (CAN) Olivia Grace DI BACCO vs (BUL) Mimi Nikolova HRISTOVA
68 kg (BUL) Sofiya Hristova GEORGIEVA vs (USA) Tamyra Mariama STOCK MENSAH
76 kg (KAZ) Elmira SYZDYKOVA vs (CAN) Erica Elizabeth WIEBE
76 kg (ITA) Enrica RINALDI vs (EGY) Samar Amer Ibrahim HAMZA

Greco-Roman line-up

72 kg (HUN) Robert Attila FRITSCH vs (IND) Kuldeep MALIK
72 kg (TUR) Selcuk CAN vs (RUS) Chingiz LABAZANOV
77 kg (TUR) Yunus Emre BASAR vs (USA) Peyton Burke WALSH
77 kg (HUN) Zoltan LEVAI vs (KAZ) Tamerlan SHADUKAYEV
82 kg (HUN) Tamas LEVAI vs (RUS) Adlan AKIEV
82 kg (TUR) Salih AYDIN vs (TUR) Burhan AKBUDAK

1245 hrs: Russia national champion Chingiz LABAZANOV (RUS) takes out former junior World Champion KISSYMETOV (KAZ) 7-3

1240 hrs: Michelle FAZZARI'S (CAN) four-point throw remains the difference as Marina SASTIN (HUN) goes down 3-5 

1230 hrs: Marina SASTIN (HUN) and Michelle FAZZARI (CAN) on Mat B. SASTIN leading 1-0 and FAZZARI gets a four! SASTIN challenges the call but it stands. 5-1 lead FAZZARI

1225 hrs: Mensah-Stock was hit with a surprise hip-toss but she comes back with three takedowns in the bout to win 6-4 against Hanzlickova

1221 hrs: World champion Tamyra Mariama STOCK MENSA (USA) is up against Adela HANZLICKOVA (CZE). The Czech gets going with toss for four. A reversal for Mensa-Stock

1220 hrs: A win for 19-year-old ANSHU (IND). Evelina NIKOLOVA (BUL) came up with a four-point throw but Anshu got a reversal and exposure to regain the lead 7-4. Nikolova had two pushouts and desperate try for a big throw in the dying seconds but Anshu hangs on to win 11-6

1214 hrs: ANSHU (IND) leads NIKOLOVA (BUL) 4-0 at the break in their 57kg quarter-final. On Mat C, Asian Championships bronze medalist Elmira SYZDYKOVA (KAZ) is up against KIRAN (IND)

1210 hrs: Erica WIEBE (CAN) holds on to the lead and the win! She moves into the 76kg quarter-finals. Next match on Mat A, returning silver ANSHU (IND) is up against World bronze Evelina NIKOLOVA (BUL)

1340 hrs: Third Canada wrestler in the final! Michelle FAZZARI matches teammates Erica WIEBE and Olivia Grace DI BACCO to reach the final. She beats Irina KUZNETSOVA (KAZ) 7-2 in the 62 semi-final. She will wrestle Marianna SASTIN (HUN) in the final

1338 hrs: Tamyra Mariama STOCK MENSAH (USA) will be wrestling for a gold! The returning silver medalist gets a dominant 10-0 win over Sofiya Hritsova GEORGIEVA (BUL). She will try to win her fifth Ranking Series gold medal

1336 hrs: Michelle FAZZARI (CAN) was looking for the pin against Irina KUZNETSOVA (KAZ) but the Kazak wrestler was quick to come and try a pin of her own. Fazzari barely manages to survive that. 5-2 lead for the Canada wrestler

1333 hrs: World champion Mensah-Stock is wrestling her 68kg semi-final against Sofiya Hristova GEORGIEVA (BUL). Two brilliant takedowns for the American and she is up 4-0

1330 hrs: de Oliveira is the winner at 57kg. ANSHU is declared not fit to wrestle after the break as she complains about pain in the hamstring. She is trailing 7-10. She insists she can continue. But the judges think otherwise.

1325 hrs: Another over-the-shoulder throw from de Oliveira. But Anshu spins on head. Brazil corner is asking for four. Referee awards two. Challenge from Brazil but they lose it. 10-5 for Brazil

 

Count 'em! That's two finalists for @WrestlingCanada.

68kg: Olivia Grace DI BACCO??
76kg: Erica Elizabeth WIEBE??https://t.co/zpwxopXS8d

— United World Wrestling (@wrestling) March 5, 2021

 

1322 hrs: Returning silver medalist ANSHU (IND) takes on Giullia RODRIGUES PENALBER DE OLIVEIRA (BRA) in the other 57kg semi-final. The Brazilian starts with a four-point throw and a reversal for Anshu. But de Oliveira goes for another big throw. 8-2 the lead for her

1316 hrs: Erica Wiebe (CAN) into the final with a close 2-0 win against Elmira SYZDYKOVA (KAZ). Not much action in the bout but the Olympic champion controlled the bout throughout. In 57kg, Asian champion SARITA (IND) moves into the final with a win by fall

1315 hrs: Wiebe is holding on to a 2-0 lead with a minute remaining in her semi-final bout. On Mat B, Selcuk CAN (TUR) vs is leading Russian champion Chingiz LABAZANOV 3-0

1310 hrs: Returning champion Erica Wiebe is wrestling her semi-final against Elmira SYZDYKOVA (KAZ) on Mat C. The winner gets to wrestle Samar HAMZA (EGY) in the 76kg final

1305 hrs: Returning gold medalist at 77kg Zolton LEVAI (HUN) storms into the final with an 11-4 win over Tamerlan SHADUKAYEV (KAZ). In the 72kg semi-final Robert Attila FRITSCH (HUN) makes his way to the final with a 5-0 win over Kuldeep MALIK (IND)

1255 hrs: We are rolling into the semi-final bouts for the day! The line-up for WW

57kg (KAZ) Emma TISSINA vs (IND) SARITA
57 kg (IND) ANSHU vs (BRA) Giullia RODRIGUES PENALBER DE OLIVEIRA
62 kg (BRA) Lais NUNES DE OLIVEIRA vs (HUN) Marianna SASTIN
62 kg (CAN) Michelle Christina FAZZARI vs (KAZ) Irina KUZNETSOVA
68 kg (CAN) Olivia Grace DI BACCO vs (BUL) Mimi Nikolova HRISTOVA
68 kg (BUL) Sofiya Hristova GEORGIEVA vs (USA) Tamyra Mariama STOCK MENSAH
76 kg (KAZ) Elmira SYZDYKOVA vs (CAN) Erica Elizabeth WIEBE
76 kg (ITA) Enrica RINALDI vs (EGY) Samar Amer Ibrahim HAMZA

Greco-Roman line-up

72 kg (HUN) Robert Attila FRITSCH vs (IND) Kuldeep MALIK
72 kg (TUR) Selcuk CAN vs (RUS) Chingiz LABAZANOV
77 kg (TUR) Yunus Emre BASAR vs (USA) Peyton Burke WALSH
77 kg (HUN) Zoltan LEVAI vs (KAZ) Tamerlan SHADUKAYEV
82 kg (HUN) Tamas LEVAI vs (RUS) Adlan AKIEV
82 kg (TUR) Salih AYDIN vs (TUR) Burhan AKBUDAK

1245 hrs: Russia national champion Chingiz LABAZANOV (RUS) takes out former junior World Champion KISSYMETOV (KAZ) 7-3

1240 hrs: Michelle FAZZARI'S (CAN) four-point throw remains the difference as Marina SASTIN (HUN) goes down 3-5 

1230 hrs: Marina SASTIN (HUN) and Michelle FAZZARI (CAN) on Mat B. SASTIN leading 1-0 and FAZZARI gets a four! SASTIN challenges the call but it stands. 5-1 lead FAZZARI

1225 hrs: Mensah-Stock was hit with a surprise hip-toss but she comes back with three takedowns in the bout to win 6-4 against Hanzlickova

1221 hrs: World champion Tamyra Mariama STOCK MENSA (USA) is up against Adela HANZLICKOVA (CZE). The Czech gets going with toss for four. A reversal for Mensa-Stock

1220 hrs: A win for 19-year-old ANSHU (IND). Evelina NIKOLOVA (BUL) came up with a four-point throw but Anshu got a reversal and exposure to regain the lead 7-4. Nikolova had two pushouts and desperate try for a big throw in the dying seconds but Anshu hangs on to win 11-6

1214 hrs: ANSHU (IND) leads NIKOLOVA (BUL) 4-0 at the break in their 57kg quarter-final. On Mat C, Asian Championships bronze medalist Elmira SYZDYKOVA (KAZ) is up against KIRAN (IND)

1210 hrs: Erica WIEBE (CAN) holds on to the lead and the win! She moves into the 76kg quarter-finals. Next match on Mat A, returning silver ANSHU (IND) is up against World bronze Evelina NIKOLOVA (BUL)

1207 hrs: Wiebe ties the score 1-1 but is warned for passivity again. She completes a single leg takedown before an exposure to lead 5-1

1205 hrs: Da Silva Ferreira is leading 1-0 against Wiebe in their quarter-final at 76kg after the first period. Wiebe gave up a point for being passive

1200 hrs: Rio Olympic champion and returning gold medalist Erica Wiebe is on Mat A. She is up against Aline DA SILVA FERREIRA (BRA).

1155 hrs: Egypt's Rio Olympian Samar Amer Ibrahim HAMZA starts her day with a big tech superiority win over Matilde CALDARELLI (ITA).

1152 hrs: Marina SASTIN wins her first bout of the day. She scores a couple of big four-point throws on her way to a 15-4 technical superiority win over Ayaulym KASSYMOVA (KAZ)

1150 hrs: Returning silver medalist Selcuk CAN (TUR) with an easy win against Cristhian Alberto RIVAS CASTRO (ECU) on Mat B.

 

Mat A is about to be ?!

Bout 100: Olympic ? Erica WIEBE ??
Bout 101: ??Evelina NIKOLOVA ??
Bout 102: ??Tamyra STOCK MENSAH ??

WATCH: https://t.co/zpwxopXS8d

— United World Wrestling (@wrestling) March 5, 2021

 

1145 hrs: Former world champion Marina SASTIN (HUN) and Asian silver medalist Ayaulym KASSYMOVA (KAZ) wrestling in women's 62kg Round 2. Sastin had the lead but Kassymova with big four to take a 4-3 lead

1140 hrs: A little anti-climatic there. World and Russia champion Abuiazid MANTSIGOV (RUS) did not show up for his bout against Tamerlan SHADUKAYEV (KAZ). The Kazakhstan is the winner 

1125 hrs: Emrah KUS (TUR) is deep trouble on Mat B. He is down 0-7 against Salih AYDIN (TUR), a returning bronze medalist. They go into the break at the same score

1120 hrs: Down goes Asian silver medalist Demeu ZHADRAYEV (KAZ). He loses a close 6-10 bout against fellow countryman Tamerlan SHADUKAYEV (KAZ)

1110 hrs: Emrah KUS (TUR), a five-time medalist at Ranking Series events, starts with a big win against Benjamin Errol PROVISOR (USA)

1053 hrs: What a match we had! Ravaughn Richard Ravelle PERKINS (USA) with two big throws to take a 12-7 lead against returning gold medalist Gurpreet SINGH (IND). The Indian with big four with 10 seconds remaining, he was looking for the pin but the time runs out. Perkins the winner 12-11

1052 hrs: Michelle Christina FAZZARI (CAN) makes a big comeback and completes a close 8-7 win against Ayaulym KASSYMOVA (KAZ).

1050 hrs: Gurpreet SINGH (IND) with a 7-0 lead but Perkins with a huge four-point throw before adding two more to make it 6-7. The Indian leads 7-6 at the break in the 82kg bout

1045 hrs: Asian Championships silver medalist Ayaulym KASSYMOVA (KAZ) is leading former World Championships bronze medalist Michelle Christina FAZZARI (CAN) 6-4 at the break in women's 62kg bout. On Mat C, returning gold medalist Gurpreet SINGH (IND) is facing Ravaughn Richard Ravelle PERKINS (USA) 

1035 hrs: And we are off! Robert Attila FRITSCH (HUN) continues the good work that the wrestlers from Hungary yesterday. He starts off with a 3-2 win over Chingiz LABAZANOV (RUS)

1025 hrs: If you missed the action on day one, you can relive it on our YouTube channel. Read our day wrap and the highlights with Musa Evloev winning the gold with ease and some surprising results in the 87kg category

1015 hrs: Welcome to the second day of the Matteo Pellicone Ranking Series event from Rome. Today will be a mix of some Greco-Roman and freestyle action.

#WrestleZagreb

World Championships 2025 Women's Wrestling Preview

By Vinay Siwach

ZAGREB, Croatia (September 10) -- Sakura MOTOKI (JPN) is the only Paris Olympic champion entered in Women's Wrestling for the World Championships in Zagreb.

While four of the six champions in Paris had world titles to their names, only Motoki and now retired Sarah HILDEBRANDT (USA) did not. Motoki wants to change that.

"As the alarm on my smartphone to wake up in the morning, I use the music they play during the winning lap at the World Championships," Motoki had said after winning against Ozaki. "Each time I hear it, it gives me an unpleasant feeling and makes me remember what happened. Even after I won at the Olympics, that sinking feeling never really went away."

Sakura MOTOKI (JPN)Sakura MOTOKI (JPN) is the only Olympic champion entered for Zagreb. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Amirreza Aliasgari)

Motoki has been to the World Championships twice before but came up short both times, winning bronze in 2022 at 59kg and silver in 2023 at 62kg.

She will be leading a strong Japanese team that has five senior world champions and four with multiple age-group titles to their names. Japan won six out of 10 gold medals in Women's Wrestling in 2023 and captured three out of four at the Non-Olympic Weights World Championships in 2024.

While Motoki enters as the favorite at 62kg, expectations are high across the lineup. The roster of returning world champions includes Remina YOSHIMOTO (JPN) at 50kg, Haruna OKUNO (JPN) at 53kg, Miwa MORIKAWA (JPN) at 65kg, Ami ISHII (JPN) at 68kg, and Masako FURIUCHI (JPN) at 72kg.

Others completing the line up are Sowaka UCHIDA (JPN) at 55kg, Himeka TAKUHARA (JPN) at 57kg, Sakura ONISHI (JPN) at 59kg and Nodoka YAMAMOTO (JPN) at 76kg.

But at the World Championships, Japan will be tested. Ukraine, the United States, and China are bringing tough names to Zagreb and the return of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea will also shake up the results.

Storylines that will keep the fans engaged will be: Helen MAROULIS (USA) aiming for fourth world title at 57kg, Irina RINGACI (MDA) vs Grace BULLEN (NOR) at 68kg, Kennedy BLADES (USA) in a deep 68kg weight class and Sakura ONISHI's (JPN) big test at 59kg.

Iryna BONDAR (UKR)Iryna BONDAR (UKR) is the European champion at 62kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kadir Caliskan)

Challenge for Motoki

For Motoki, the road to gold in Zagreb may go through Iryna BONDAR (UKR), one of the rising stars in international wrestling. Bondar has already made her mark at the age-group level, winning both U20 and U23 world titles, and currently holds European Championships titles at both the senior and U23 levels.

After claiming the senior European title in April, Bondar made it clear that she's aiming for the top.

"Senior level is a whole different level of wrestling -- senior wrestling is tough and intense," she said. "Are there tougher opponents? Yes, absolutely. The toughest competitors are from Japan -- they are the strongest in the world."

Still adjusting to the pace of senior-level competition, Bondar tends to start slow in matches but has an effective arsenal of attacks once she settles in. But whether she’s ready for someone as polished and tactical as Motoki remains to be seen.

Also entered at 62kg are Asian champion MANISHA (IND), silver medalist Ok Ju KIM (PRK), and former world champion Bilyana DUDOVA (BUL), but Motoki remains the clear favorite to top the podium.

Remina YOSHIMOTO (JPN)Remina YOSHIMOTO (JPN), a 2021 world champion, is unbeaten internationally. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

At 50kg, Remina YOSHIMOTO (JPN) will aim to win her second world title, four years after claiming her first in 2021. She has not competed at the World Championships since, with Yui SUSAKI (JPN) occupying the spot during that time. However, Susaki did not enter the qualification process this year.

Yoshimoto has proven herself at the Asian level and remains unbeaten internationally since a loss to Chun Lei (CHN) at the Tokyo Test Event in 2019. Her main challenge could come from European champion Oksana LIVACH (UKR), who won a world bronze in 2018 but hasn’t returned to the podium since. Zagreb presents an opportunity and she will be keen on finishing with a medal.

The Japanese defeated Yu ZHANG (CHN) and Myonggyong WON (PRK) en route to her 2025 Asian title, and they are not expected to trouble her in Zagreb. European silver medalist Evin DEMIRHAN (TUR) and U20 world silver medalist Audrey JIMENEZ (USA) will aim to finish on the podium as well.

Lucia YEPEZ (ECU)Lucia YEPEZ (ECU) won the Pan-Am gold in May. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Osvaldo Aguilar)

Unpredictability of 53kg

Chasing her fourth world title at 53kg is Haruna MURAYAMA (JPN), who made the Japan team after defeating another world champion, Moe KIYOOKA (JPN). Murayama won her first world gold in 2017 and added a second in 2018. But she had to wait five years to win her third in 2023, largely due to Mayu SHIDOCHI (JPN) dominating the weight before the Tokyo Olympics and Akari FUJINAMI (JPN) holding the spot until Paris.

Now, Murayama has a shot at another title. The weight class, however, is deep with talent. Olympic silver medalist Lucia YEPEZ (ECU) returns for the first time since the Paris Games and could become Ecuador’s first world champion. Her explosive style has troubled even the best, including Fujinami.

Asian champion Hyo Gyong CHOE (PRK), who beat Kiyooka in the Asian final, will be a strong medal threat with her powerful gut-wrench. Jin ZHANG (CHN), a former world U20 champion, will look to build on her silver from last year at 55kg.

Jonna MALMGREN (SWE) skipped this season but is returning to the World Championships with an aim to win her first medal. The former European champion can trouble the best with her strong leg-attacks and will be a medal favorite in Zagreb.

Maria PREVOLARAKI (GRE), perhaps motivated by her historic European win, is going for her fourth world medal. Also in the mix will be world bronze medalist ANTIM (IND) who finished with a bronze in Asia.

Battles at 68kg

Another packed weight class is 68kg, featuring Olympic silver medalists Kennedy BLADES (USA) and Meerim ZHUMANAZAROVA (KGZ), world champions Jia LONG (CHN), Buse TOSUN (TUR), and Ami ISHII (JPN), along with several other top contenders.

Blades, who won silver in Paris at 76kg, has looked unbeatable at 68kg this year, claiming Ranking Series golds in Zagreb and Budapest, as well as a Pan-Am title. However, the World Championships in Zagreb will be a tougher test.

Meerim ZHUMANAZAROVA (KGZ)Meerim ZHUMANAZAROVA (KGZ) won the silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

68kg Olympic silver medalist Zhumanazarova returns with the goal of winning her second world title. Though she has competed infrequently, she is always a serious gold-medal threat. She was training in Türkiye with fellow world champion Tosun, who won bronze in Paris. The big-throwing Tosun is chasing her second world title as well.

Jia LONG, last year’s world champion at 65kg, is moving up to 68kg as she targets an Olympic weight for 2028. Known for one of the most dangerous gut wrenches in wrestling, she will look to use it to mount a serious title run.

Ami ISHII (JPN) did not medal in 2023 but won gold at 72kg in 2024. While she has made significant improvements, her defensive game remains a concern, as she tends to give up points. Still, Ishii is a strong contender for gold.

Other notable names include world silver medalist Delgermaa ENKHSAIKHAN (MGL), Asian silver medalist Sol Gum PAK (PRK), European silver medalist Kateryna ZELENYKH (ROU), and Khanum VELIEVA (UWW).

Golden chances for Maroulis, Bakergenova

Helen MAROULIS (USA) was unsure about returning to wrestling after winning her third Olympic medal -- a bronze in Paris. But she made her comeback in Budapest, where she captured gold. Now, she has a chance to win her fourth world title in Zagreb.

Tsugumi SAKURAI (JPN) had previously halted Maroulis at both the World Championships and Olympics, but with the Japanese star not entered in Zagreb, Maroulis has her best opportunity to top the podium again. The American remains the most experienced wrestler in the 57kg field, and her form in Budapest showed she’s still capable of a title run.

Her top challenger will be Olympic bronze medalist Kexin HONG (CHN), who was leading her semifinal in Paris against Anastasia NICHITA (MDA) before getting caught and pinned. Hong’s powerful gut-wrench remains a major weapon.

Il Sim SON (PRK), the Asian silver medalist, is another threat but may struggle due to inexperience. Himeka TOKUHARA (JPN) is also capable of upsetting top names. Other medal hopefuls include European champion Olga KHOROSHAVTSEVA (UWW), Tokyo silver medalist Iryna KURACHKINA (UWW), and U20 world champions Zhala ALIYEVA (AZE) and TAPSYA (IND).

At 72kg, Zhamila BAKBERGENOVA (KAZ) could make history by becoming Kazakhstan’s first-ever world champion. A three-time silver medalist, she lost to Amit ELOR (USA) twice and to Ami ISHII (JPN) last year, but neither of them is in her path this time. Still, the weight class has strong contenders.

Former world champion Masako FURUICHI (JPN) is looking to reclaim the top spot and stands a good chance. European champion Alla BELINSKA (UKR) is chasing her first world medal, as is world and European U23 champion Nesrin BAS (TUR). Former world U20 champion Jyoti BERWAL (IND) also has an outside chance at a podium finish.

Oleksandra KHOMENETS (UKR)Oleksandra KHOMENETS (UKR) is looking to rediscover her magic on the mat. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

Can Khomenets rebound?

At one point in her career, Oleksandra KHOMENETS (UKR) was seen as the next big star in Ukrainian wrestling. She captured age-group world and European titles and won silver at the 2023 World Championships at 55kg. However, injuries derailed her progress, and she’s now working to return to peak form.

She finished seventh at last year’s World Championships, but a bronze at the European Championships earlier this year has helped her regain confidence. A medal in Zagreb could further boost her motivation.

The 55kg field is deep. European champion Ekaterina VERBINA (UWW) has emerged as a top contender, having defeated Tatiana DEBIEN (FRA) in the final. Debien will look to avenge that close 6-5 loss.

Asian 53kg champion Kyong Ryong OH (PRK) is another strong challenger. Her versatile attacks and solid defense, showcased in her win over Moe KIYOOKA (JPN), make her a serious threat.

Japan will be represented by former world U20 champion Sowaka UCHIDA (JPN), who suffered an injury in Samokov in August. Her fitness and ability to handle the weight cut from 57kg will be challenging.

Onishi in the senior league

Soon after winning her second U20 world title in August, Sakura ONISHI (JPN) said it was only the first of two she hopes to win this year -- the second being a senior world title. A month later, she heads to Zagreb aiming to complete the double.

Onishi’s deadly leg lace helped her dominate in Samokov, and across two U20 World Championships, she hasn’t conceded a single point. But senior-level competition is a different test.

She narrowly won the Asian title in April, edging Pyol HUNG (PRK) 6-4. Hung, also entered in Zagreb, will be aiming for revenge. Still, with that win and time to reflect, Onishi enters as the favorite.

Jacarra WINCHESTER (USA), world 55kg champion in 2019, is now at 59kg hoping to add another world medal. She will be tested at the heavier weight class.

Ringaci vs Bullen: Part 3

Grace BULLEN (NOR) may have won both her matches against Irina RINGACI (MDA) at 65kg this year, but neither victory came easily. In their latest bout, Ringaci was leading 14-6 and was one turn away from victory when Bullen blocked a gut-wrench attempt and secured a dramatic fall. Earlier, at the European Championships, Bullen narrowly held on for an 11-8 win in the final.

Their rivalry could see a third chapter in Zagreb, and Ringaci will be eager to finally get the win. While Bullen holds the edge, a World title victory would be far more meaningful. Both wrestlers match each other in style -- strong defense, explosive throws, and a tendency to get tangled in high-scoring exchanges.

Outside this duo, the field includes former world champions Qi ZHANG (CHN) and Miwa MORIKAWA (JPN), Olympic silver medalist Iryna KOLIADENKO (UKR), and world bronze medalist Macey KILTY (USA). Zhang has struggled since moving up from 59kg, while Morikawa, a bronze medalist last year, will need to raise her level. Koliadenko is also adjusting after moving up from 62kg. Kilty, a two-time world bronze medalist, remains a strong podium contender.

Aiperi MEDET KYZY (KGZ)Aiperi MEDET KYZY (KGZ) is looking for her first world title. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

At 76kg, Asian champion Aiperi MEDET KYZY (KGZ) enters as the favorite, though recent losses -- including in the Tirana Ranking Series and Paris bronze match -- expose her troubles on the mat against quality opponents.

Among the contenders will be Milaimy MARIN (CUB) who defeated Medet Kyzy in the bronze medal bout in Paris, former Asian champion Elmira SYZDYKOVA (KAZ), European champion Anastasiya ALPYEYEVA (UKR) and world U23 champion Kylie WELKER (USA).

Fifth-placer at the Olympics Genesis REASCO (ECU) and world U20 champion PRIYA (IND) will also aim for medals.