#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.

#wrestlebishkek

Kusaka stuns Makhmudov, Bishkek crowd for Asian gold at Greco 77kg

By Ken Marantz

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan (April 15) -- Nao KUSAKA (JPN) accomplished what he came to do, and silenced the Kyrgyzstan crowd by denying them what they most wanted to see. As a bonus, he also happened to spoil his opponent's 25th birthday.

Kusaka stunned reigning world and Asian champion Akzhol MAKHMUDOV (KGZ) 4-2 in the Greco 77kg final at the Asian Championships on Monday in Bishkek, gaining revenge for a close loss to the Kyrgyz superstar in the semifinals at last year's World Championships.

"From the time I lost at the World Championships, I've been aiming at getting revenge," Kusaka said. "To win on the opponent's home soil is a major achievement in my wrestling life."

All five weight classes had the defending champion in action, but only the Iranian pair of Naser ALIZADEH (IRI) at 87kg and world champion Amin MIRZAZADEH (IRI) at 130kg managed to hold onto their titles. For Alizadeh, it was a fourth straight gold, while Mirzazadeh earned the third of his career.

Yu Chol RO (PRK) knocked off defending champion Poya DAD MARZ (IRI) in the 55kg final to give the DPR Korea its second gold in its return to the continental championships after a five-year absence, while unheralded Yerzhet ZHARLYKASSYN (KAZ) was a surprising champion at 63kg.

Nao KUSAKA (JPN)Nao KUSAKA (JPN) celebrates after beating Akzhol MAKHMUDOV (KGZ) in Bishkek. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Amirreza Aliasgari)

For 2022 world U23 bronze medalist Kusaka, the memory he will take home of the crowd at Bishkek Arena falling silent after witnessing the vanquishing of two-time defending champion Makhmudov will be as valuable as the gold medal.

"It felt great," the 23-year-old said of turning the roars to a hush. "It's the best. As the 'heel', I have etched my name here. It's really a great feeling. It makes me glad I took up wrestling."

Kusaka's win came without actually scoring a technical point. He gained a passivity point and, while he was trying for a turn, Makhmudov was assessed a 2-point penalty for leg blocking after a challenge to put the Japanese up 3-0.

It seemed inevitable that Makhmudov would get his chance on top and when he did, his throw at the edge failed to turn Kusaka and he received only one point for a stepout. A challenge by the Kyrgyz side was denied, giving Kusaka a 4-2 lead that he made stick until the end.

"He got me into the air, but sometimes you get lucky and it's limited to only one point," Kusaka said. "My opponent is probably thinking, I'm glad it was here [and not the Olympics]. But to me, this is a big win."

The 7-5 loss he was dealt by Makhmudov last September in Belgrade has been both a source of irritation and inspiration. Anticipating the rematch, he has studied the video of the match religiously and intensified his training, including grueling sessions with sumo wrestlers to work on putting pressure on his opponents.

After the World Championships, Kusaka spent a month on a self-funded training trip to Germany and Hungary with the aim of raising his level and gaining international experience ahead of the Paris Olympics. While there, he participated in Bundesliga matches and practiced with stars Tamas LORINCZ (HUN) and Zoltan LEVAI (HUN).

Even in Japan, Kusaka said he has to contend with the aura that emanates from Makhmudov, who also has an Olympic silver medal to his credit. Incidentally, Lorincz, who won the 77kg gold at the Tokyo Olympics after beating Makhmudov in the final, awarded the medals to the 77kg medalists in Bishkek.

"I've realized lately that in this internet world, Makhmudov has hundreds of thousands of followers on Instagram, while only a few Japanese have maybe tens of thousands," Kusaka said.

"He has videos of his big throws, and people around me say, 'Makhmudov is amazing! How can you beat a monster like that?' But I'm like, 'It's not really like that.'

"Anyway, if you think truly in your heart you can beat someone, it is not impossible. I think this win provides a good example for the wrestling community. I want to convey that if you stick to your beliefs, if you stick to your style, you can definitely be a world-beater. I want to prove that."

This year, he finished third at the Zagreb Open, where he lost to Levai in the fourth round. Before Paris, Kusaka intends to enter the Budapest Ranking Series in June in order to help his chances of being seeded at the Olympics.

Makhmudov had accepted the reality of the defeat and he is ready to move on.

"What happened, happened," he said. "I know that no matter how much I try, I won’t be able to change anything. I want to train harder in the future and prove that I’ve been coming back all the time and will come back again. There is a little time left before the Olympic Games, but I’ll try my best to compete successfully there."

Amin MIRZAZADEH (IRI)Amin MIRZAZADEH (IRI) won his third career Asian title. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Amirreza Aliasgari)

In other action, Mirzazadeh showed once again how unstoppable he is from par terre, as he rolled Minseok KIM (KOR) two times for all the points he needed in a 5-0 victory in the 130kg final.

"I really practiced hard for this and tried a lot to be able to create a significant difference with the other competitors and it makes me happy," Mirzazadeh said.

It was the first time in three matches that the Iranian didn't end it with enough gut wrenches from par terre, but it still got the job done. Mirzazadeh had beaten Kim previously in the first round of the Tokyo Olympics, where he ended up taking a disappointing fifth by losing to the legendary Riza KAYAALP (TUR) in the bronze-medal match.

Mirzazadeh lost to Kayaalp again in the final of the 2022 worlds, but gained his revenge and his first world title in the gold-medal match last September in Belgrade. That makes him a leading candidate to end the hopes of Mijain LOPEZ (CUB) for an unprecedented fifth Olympic gold in Paris.

"I think it was a really great start for further preparation for the Olympics," Mirzazadeh said. "From tomorrow, when the competition ends, I have to start training and trying to make my people happy with the title in the Olympics."

At 87kg, Alizadeh maintained his dominance of Nursultan TURSYNOV (KAZ), beating him at the Asian Championships for the fourth year in a row and in a second consecutive final.

Alizadeh was never really challenged and clinched a 5-0 victory with a 2-point throw from par terre at the edge in the second period.

Alizadeh had beaten Tursynov in the first round in both 2021 and 2022 before defeating him 8-0 in last year's final in Astana. The 33-year-old Tursynov does have an Asian gold medal, won back in 2014.

Yu Chol RO (PRK)Yu Chol RO (PRK) defeated defending 55kg champion Poya DAD MARZ (IRI) in the final. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Amirreza Aliasgari)

At 55kg, the DPR Korea's Ro, whose last appearance on the international wrestling scene ended with an eighth-place finish at the 2019 Asian Championships in Xi'an, made a big leap with a 9-0 victory to dethrone Iran's Dad Marz.

"Today is the biggest holiday in Korea -- 'The Day of the Sun' -- on this day, I wanted to gift my gold medal to my country and I would like to say thank you to my parents and friends," Ro said. "I would like to become the world champion."

Ro, put into par terre in the first period, took full advantage by reeling off a pair of rolls before Dad Marz appeared to squirm his way out of a third. But the Iranian was assessed a 2-point penalty for leg blocking to make it 7-0.

That caution also put Dad Marz back on the bottom, and Ro responded by muscling him over to end the match at 2:08 for his fourth technical fall in four matches.

Yerzhet ZHARLYKASSYN (KAZ)Yerzhet ZHARLYKASSYN (KAZ) hits a four-point throw against Ayata SUZUKI (JPN) in the 63kg final during the Asian Championships. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

In the 63kg final, Kazakhstan's Zharlykassyn came out of nowhere to snatch the gold with a nail-biting 6-6 victory on criteria over two-time 60kg bronze medalist Ayata SUZUKI (JPN).

Suzuki, the Asian Games silver medalist, started strong with an arm throw for 2 and a gut wrench. But his aggressiveness worked against him when Zharlykassyn countered an arm throw for a takedown, which he followed with a nifty 4-point throw that would end up being the criteria decider.

In the second period, Suzuki slipped out of a whizzer for a takedown to tie it up at 6-6, but all of his efforts to score the go-ahead point were thwarted.

"I was confident of not giving up points from standing," Suzuki said. "To give up points on my attack, and then the 4-pointer, I need to think more about the timing of my attack and the attack itself."

Prior to Monday, Zharlykassyn's only notable accomplishment was a bronze medal at the 2022 Asian U23 Championships -- won in a field with just four entries. He fell in the first round at the World U23 Championships in both 2022 and 2023.

Sajjad ALBIDHAN (IRQ)Sajjad ALBIDHAN (IRQ) won the bronze medal at 55kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

Albidhan takes bronze for Iraq's first medal since 2021

In the bronze-medal matches, Sajjad ALBIDHAN (IRQ) gave Iraq its first Asian medal in three years with an impressive victory by fall over Taemin KIM (KOR) at 55kg.

Albihan got two rolls off par terre in the first period, then turned Kim over after a takedown in the second before applying the finishing touch.

Iraq's last medal at the Asian Championships came in 2021 when Mustafa AL OBAIDI (IRQ) won a bronze medal in Freestyle 86kg. The last Greco-Roman medal came in 2020, won by Sajjad's elder brother Hussein, at 77kg in New Delhi.

Ulan MURATBEK UULU (KGZ), the 2023 Asian U23 champion, picked up his first senior medal when he rode a five-point first period to a 5-2 victory over Jasurbek ORTIKBOEV (UZB) for the other bronze at 55kg.

The highlight of the match may have been when Ortikboev actually scored with a "flying squirrel" -- the desperation move losing Greco wrestlers use at the end of a match in which they leap over their opponent on the unlikely chance they can grab on and roll them over.

At 63kg, Iman MOHAMMADI (IRI), who was dethroned as champion in the semifinals by Suzuki, assured he won't be going home empty-handed when he cruised to a 10-0 victory over Haodong TAN (CHN).

Mohammadi made the rare decision of opting to remain standing after receiving a passivity point in the first period, and it paid off with a stepout, after which he added a takedown. He repeated the process in the second period before ending the match in 4:38 with an arm-trap roll.

The other 63kg bronze went to Chan KIM (PRK), who was leading Dokyung JUNG (KOR) 9-2 when his opponent was forced to default in the second period after reaggravating a rib injury he had suffered earlier in the day.

In a battle of veterans at 87kg, Asian Games bronze medalist Masato SUMI (JPN) scored two gut wrenches from par terre en route to a 7-3 victory over Atabek AZISBEKOV (KGZ), giving the Japanese his first Asian medal since winning a silver in 2018. Azisbekov was denied a fourth career Asian medal.

Rahimjon UZOKOV (UZB) earned his first major medal with a 6-0 victory over Seunghwan LEE (KOR) for the other 87kg bronze. Ozokov's first points came from a head butt penalty at the beginning of the match, after which he scored a gut wrench from par terre for a 5-0 lead.

At 130kg, 2022 Asian U23 champion Erlan MANATBEKOV (KGZ) gained a passivity point and stepout, with a fleeing point tacked on, in the first period, and that was enough to vanquish Islomjon RAKHMATOV (UZB) 3-0. Rakhmatov ran out of gas in the second period and never pressed enough to get a chance at par terre.

Lingzhe MENG (CHN), last year's losing finalist at 130kg, completely overpowered Ganzolboo BUYANTOGTOKH (MGL), forcing him out at will for six stepouts which, combined with fleeing points tagged onto the final two, resulted in an 8-0 victory in 1:49.

At 77kg, Ibragim MAGOMADOV (KAZ), last year's 72kg champion, got a gut wrench from par terre and held on for a 4-3 victory over Amir ABDI (IRI). For what it's worth, it completes the full set of Asian medals for Magomadov, who was a silver medalist in 2020.

Doniyorkhon NAKIBOV (UZB) picked up the other 77kg bronze, wriggling out of the bottom of par terre to score a takedown and three consecutive rolls in the first period for an 8-3 victory over Yeonghun NOH (KOR).

 

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Day 5 Results

Greco-Roman

55kg (12 entries)
GOLD: Yu Chol RO (PRK) df. Poya DAD MARZ (IRI) by TF, 9-0, 2:08

BRONZE: Ulan MURATBEK UULU (KGZ) df. Jasurbek ORTIKBOEV (UZB), 5-2
BRONZE: Sajjad ALBIDHAN (IRQ) df. Taemin KIM (KOR) by Fall, 3:42 (9-0)

63kg (12 entries)
GOLD: Yerzhet ZHARLYKASSYN (KAZ) df. Ayata SUZUKI (JPN), 6-6

BRONZE: Iman MOHAMMADI (IRI) df. Haodong TAN (CHN) by TF, 10-0, 4:38
BRONZE: Chan KIM (PRK) df. Dokyung JUNG (KOR) by Inj. Def., 3:24 (9-2)

77kg (13 entries)
GOLD: Nao KUSAKA (JPN) df. Akzhol MAKHMUDOV (KGZ), 4-2

BRONZE: Ibragim MAGOMADOV (KAZ) df. Amir ABDI (IRI), 4-3
BRONZE: Doniyorkhon NAKIBOV (UZB) df. Yeonghun NOH (KOR), 8-3

87kg (11 entries)
GOLD: Naser ALIZADEH (IRI) df. Nursultan TURSYNOV (KAZ), 5-0

BRONZE: Rahimjon UZOKOV (UZB) df. Seunghwan LEE (KOR), 6-0
BRONZE: Masato SUMI (JPN) df. Atabek AZISBEKOV (KGZ), 7-3

130kg (12 entries)
GOLD: Amin MIRZAZADEH (IRI) df. Minseok KIM (KOR) by 5-0

BRONZE: Erlan MANATBEKOV (KGZ) df. Islomjon RAKHMATOV (UZB), 3-0
BRONZE: Lingzhe MENG (CHN) df. Ganzolboo BUYANTOGTOKH (MGL) by TF, 8-0, 1:49