Nemes stuns Geraei for 67kg world title amid Serbian gold rush

Monday, September 12, 2022 - 18:06 By Ken Marantz

BELGRADE, Serbia (September 12) -- Another time, another place, and the outcome would likely have been different. But riding the high energy from a home crowd that has been pushing its wrestlers to extraordinary heights, Mate NEMES (SRB) pulled off an upset for the ages.

Nemes continued host Serbia's incredible gold rush when he rallied to a thrilling 5-4 victory over the reigning world and Olympic champion Mohammadreza GERAEI (IRI) in the Greco-Roman 67kg final on Monday, the third day of the World Championships in Belgrade.

"This fight was exceptionally hard," Nemes said. "In the first period, the opponent was two times stronger than me, or maybe it was all in my head. I managed to defend myself from his toughest grip, which helped him win all of his matches in this World Championships."

Geraei looked to be in a good position to repeat as world champion when he took a 4-0 lead in the first period, scoring a 2-point defensive takedown and getting two for a leg foul when he attempted a lift and throw.

In the second period, Geraei tried to execute a roll while in on a takedown attempt, but Nemes halted the move and caught the Iranian on his back for his first two points of the match. That fired up the Stark Arena crowd and seemed to turn the tide, and Nemes picked up on the energy.

Nemes, put on top in par terre, managed to muscle Geraei over with a gut wrench to go ahead 5-4 with 1:25, then held off everything the Iranian threw at him to secure the biggest victory of his career and add to the world bronze he won in 2019.

Mate NEMES (SRB) defended everything Mohammadreza GERAEI (IRI) threw at him in the 67kg final. (Photo: UWW / Kostadin Andonov)

"Those who are one percent psychologically more ready, will win," Nemes said. "In this fight, I was psychologically stronger in the second period. The opponent was last year’s world and Olympic champion, and I think he felt more pressure on him. The crowd helped a lot. In the second period, I didn’t give 100%, but 130%, 140%."

Serbia, which had won only a total of three world Greco golds in its young history coming into the competition, suddenly has four in this event alone. That has put the host on top of the team standings, although it will certainly be overtaken by Azerbaijan and possibly Turkey on the final day Monday.

Geraei had not lost at 67kg since falling to Renat ILIAZ UULU (KGZ) in the round-robin at the Asian U23 Championships in March 2019; since then, he had won six straight tournaments, including last year's Olympics and World Championships and the 2019 senior Asian title.

Nemes, who finished third at a pre-worlds international tournament in Warsaw, lost in the first round at the Tokyo Olympics to Frank STAEBLER (GER), who proceeded to lose to Geraei. His victory gives him the confidence to go further next time.

"I only need to win an Olympic gold, and then I’ll have won all the medals," Nemes said.

Sebastian NAD (SRB) won the gold medal at 63kg. (Photo: UWW / Martin Gabor)

Sebastian NAD (SRB) preceded his compatriot Nemes onto the top of the medal podium when he edged Leri ABULADZE (GEO) for the 63kg gold with a hard-fought 3-1 victory in the final.

"Abdulaze is a great wrestler," Nad said. "We had wrestled in February, so we both knew each other from before. In the end, it was again 3-1 for me. For me, he’s one of the best, and I wish him all the success."

Nad was put on top in par terre in the first period and he took advantage, completing a gut wrench to lead 3-0. The positions were reversed in the second, and Nad held his ground to preserve the lead and add to Serbia's gold tally.

"Today I was ready to die, I was ready to do everything to win," Nad said. "I won this fight without mistakes and I am very happy."

Not surprisingly, winning in front of the home crowd made the victory that much more special. And it will take some time for it all to sink in.

"This is my first big senior competition here in Belgrade, so I feel great," he said. "My first medal was in Novi Sad four years ago, I won second place then, and now I won first place in Belgrade. Everything is still new to me, so I’m still not aware of it."

Artur ALEKSANYAN (ARM) won his fourth world title and first since 2017. (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

Superstar Artur ALEKSANYAN (ARM) added another chapter to his growing legend when he captured a fourth gold medal in his sixth world final, notching a solid 5-1 victory over Kiril MILOV (BUL) at 97kg.

Aleksanyan, who won his third Olympic medal with a silver in Tokyo last year, got the chance in par terre in the first period and executed a back-and-forth pair of rolls to account for all of his points. He was at the bottom in the second period, but could not be budged by reigning European champion Milov.

"That’s my fourth world gold," said Aleksanyan, whose most recent world title came in 2017 after having to default in the final of the 2019 worlds. "For two years I couldn’t make it because of injuries. Thank God after the Olympic Games I took a year break and treated them all."

The 30-year-old Aleksanyan, who suffered a hamstring injury at the Tokyo Olympics and competed in Belgrade with his right shoulder strapped, hopes his injury worries are behind him.

"I am now in a good shape, but still not perfect because I’ve just recovered after the injury," he said. "I hope in the future I’ll get in better shape."

Burhan AKBUDAK (TUR) gets the turn against Jalgasbay BERDIMURATOV (UZB) in the 82kg final. (Photo: UWW / Martin Gabor)

At 82kg, 2021 silver medalist Burhan AKBUDAK (TUR) made the big step up to the top of the podium when he rallied to a 7-6 victory over 2019 bronze medalist Jalgasbay BERDIMURATOV (UZB).

Berdimuratov, looking to become just the second-ever Greco champion from Uzbekistan, looked well on his way when he opened the match with a 4-point arm throw. Akbudak came back with a pair of stepouts to cut the gap to 4-2, but on a third attempt, Berdimuratov shrugged him by and scored a takedown for a 6-2 lead at the break.

In the second period, Akbudak got his chance when he received a passivity point and was put on top in par terre. From there, he ripped off consecutive gut wrenches to take the lead for the first time with 1:16 left, and he held on for the gold.

Amantur ISMAILOV (KGZ) won the bronze at 67kg after a 25-point thriller. (Photo: UWW / Martin Gabor)

25-point thriller highlights bronze bouts

The day's bronze-medal matches featured the wildest encounter of the tournament, as Amantur ISMAILOV (KGZ) cut loose with 17 points in the second period to defeat Joni KHETSURIANI (GEO) in a 25-point thriller at 67kg.

Ismailov, the Asian silver medalist, went into the second period trailing 5-0. A stepout put him six points behind, but, having been put on top in par terre, he got a 2-point exposure and another two points for a foul. Then he really got in gear, launching a succession of crowd-pleasing throws for two, two and four points, before ending the match at 5:33 with a 4-point headlock throw for a 17-8 win.

Hasrat JAFAROV (AZE), the 2021 world U23 and junior champion, followed with a comparatively staid 8-2 victory over Murat FIRAT (TUR) for the other 67kg bronze, which he capped with a 4-point throw following a reversal from the bottom of par terre.

Taleh MAMMADOV (AZE) executed a five-point move in his bronze medal bout. (Photo: UWW / Kostandin Andonov)

At 63kg, Taleh MAMMADOV (AZE) won his first world medal at age 33, and he did it in impressive fashion by beating Hrachya POGHOSYAN (ARM) 10-4.

Mammadov, the European silver medalist the past two years, had just been rolled in par terre when he twisted to face Poghosyan and slammed him backward for four points. A short time later, he lifted Poghosyan up and after a dramatic pause, sent him flying for a 5-pointer.

The other 63kg bronze went to Erbatu TUO (CHN), who got the gut wrench from par terre and defeated Ali Reza NEJATI (IRI) 4-1.

At 82kg, Tamas LEVAI (HUN) joined his brother as a medalist by posting a 3-1 win over Rafig HUSEYNOV (AZE), the 2021 champion who will leave Belgrade empty-handed.

Put on the bottom of par terre for the second time, Levai stopped a roll attempt and put Huseynov on his back for the 2 points that gave him the bronze. His brother Zoltan won the silver at 77kg on Sunday.

The other 82kg bronze went to Yaroslav FILCHAKOV (UKR), who got the roll in par terre to defeat European silver medalist Gela BOLKVADZE (GEO) 3-1 and earn his first-ever major senior-level medal.

World champion Mohammadhadi SARAVI (IRI), right, won the bronze medal at 97kg. (Photo: UWW / Martin Gabor)

At 97kg, defending champion and Olympic bronze medalist Mohammadhadi SARAVI (IRI) bounced back from his heartbreaking semifinal loss to Aleksanyan by outclassing Metehan BASAR (TUR) 6-1 for the bronze.

A roll from par terre and two stepouts were more than enough for Saravi, who denied Basar his first world medal since the Turk won back-to-back golds in 2017-18.

Arif NIFTULLAYEV (AZE) defended twice from the bottom of par terre, and was ahead on criteria when a lost challenge gave him a final point and the other 97kg bronze medal with a 2-1 victory over two-time European medalist Nikoloz KAKHELASHVILI (ITA).

Nonoka OZAKI (JPN) reached 62kg final after beating world champion Aisuluu TYNYBEKOVA (KGZ) 11-5 in the semifinals. (Photo: UWW / Martin Gabor)

Ozaki gets best of Tynybekova again

In the semifinals held earlier in the session, recently crowned world U20 champion Nonoka OZAKI (JPN) showed she could defeat a healthy Aisuluu TYNYBEKOVA (KGZ), knocking off the defending world champion 11-5 in women's 62kg.

Taking a 3-2 lead into the second period, the 19-year-old Ozaki scored a 4-point takedown and then stretched the gap to 9-2. A whizzer sent Tynybekova to her back for two more, but the Kyrgyz managed to reverse the situation and put Ozaki precariously on her back for a moment. But the two-time world cadet champion held on for the victory.

Last year in Oslo, Tynybekova knocked off Ozaki in the first round en route to her second world title, while Ozaki came back to take home the bronze. They met again last April in the final at the Asian Championships in Mongolia, a match that Ozaki won by injury default while leading 9-1 when Tynybekova suffered a foot injury as Ozaki was reeling off her trademark lace lock.

Ozaki, who had to beat Olympic champion Yukako KAWAI (JPN) to make the Japanese team, will face last year's silver medalist, Kayla MIRACLE (USA), in Tuesday's final.

The American was in a 3-point hole against Ana GODINEZ (CAN) when she put her directly onto her back with a slick barrel roll and secured a fall at 1:38.

Meanwhile, Tokyo Olympic 53kg champion Mayu SHIDOCHI (JPN), who has moved up to 55kg in the non-Olympic year, stormed into the final by routing 2019 world champion Jacarra WINCHESTER (USA) by 12-0 technical fall.

Shidochi, a two-time world champion at 55kg, capped the victory with a 4-point tackle that ended the match in 2:10.

Edmond NAZARYAN (BUL) defeated Olympic silver medalist Kenichiro FUMITA (JPN) in the 60kg semifinals. (Photo: UWW / Kostadin Andonov)

In the two remaining Greco weight classes, young Edmond NAZARYAN (BUL) pulled a shocker when he scraped out a 5-5 victory on criteria over Olympic silver medalist and two-time world champion Kenichiro FUMITA (JPN) at 60kg.

Nazaryan, the 2021 European U20 champion at 63kg, scored a 4-point move when he bulled an off-balance Fumita to his back at the edge at the end of the first period, then gained an all-important fifth point when the Japanese side unsuccessfully challenged.

In the final, Nazaryan will face another tough Asian in 2021 world silver medalist Zholaman SHARSHENBEKOV (KGZ), who scored two takedowns and a throw in defeating Aidos SULTANGALI (KAZ) 7-0.

Riza KAYAALP (TUR) went past Muminjon ABDULLAEV (UZB) 5-3 in the 130kg semifinal. (Photo: UWW / Kostadin Andonov)

At 130kg, Riza KAYAALP (TUR) earned a shot at a fifth world gold when he forged a 5-3 victory over four-time Asian medalist Muminjon ABDULLAEV (UZB).

The Uzbekistan wrestler took a 3-0 lead from par terre, but after being rolled, Kayaalp moved to the front and got two points back with a front lift to make it 3-2 after the first period. In the second, Kayaalp earned a passivity point and a stepout to clinch the win.

His opponent will be the dangerous 2021 world U23 champion Amin MIRZAZADEH (IRI), who defeated Mantas KNYSTAUTAS (LTU) 2-1, with a first-period stepout proving to be the decider.

Day 3 Results

Greco-Roman

60kg (29 entries)
Semifinal - Edmond NAZARYAN (BUL) df. Kenichiro FUMITA (JPN), 5-5
Semifinal - Zholaman SHARSHENBEKOV (KGZ) df. Aidos SULTANGALI (KAZ), 7-0

63kg (30 entries)
Gold - Sebastian NAD (SRB) df. Leri ABULADZE (GEO), 3-1

Bronze - Taleh MAMMADOV (AZE) df. Hrachya POGHOSYAN (ARM), 10-4
Bronze - Erbatu TUO (CHN) df. Ali Reza NEJATI (IRI), 4-1

67kg (30 entries)
Gold - Mate NEMES (SRB) df. Mohammadreza GERAEI (IRI), 5-4

Bronze - Hasrat JAFAROV (AZE) df. Murat FIRAT (TUR), 8-2
Bronze - Amantur ISMAILOV (KGZ) df. Joni KHETSURIANI (GEO) by TF, 17-8, 5:33

82kg (25 entries)
Gold - Burhan AKBUDAK (TUR) df. Jalgasbay BERDIMURATOV (UZB), 7-6

Bronze - Tamas LEVAI (HUN) df. Rafig HUSEYNOV (AZE), 3-1
Bronze - Yaroslav FILCHAKOV (UKR) df. Gela BOLKVADZE (GEO), 3-1

97kg (29 entries)
Gold - Artur ALEKSANYAN (ARM) df. Kiril MILOV (BUL), 5-1

Bronze - Arif NIFTULLAYEV (AZE) df. Nikoloz KAKHELASHVILI (ITA), 2-1
Bronze - Mohammadhadi SARAVI (IRI) df. Metehan BASAR (TUR), 6-1

130kg (25 entries)
Semifinal - Riza KAYAALP (TUR) df. Muminjon ABDULLAEV (UZB), 5-3
Semifinal - Amin MIRZAZADEH (IRI) df. Mantas KNYSTAUTAS (LTU), 2-1

Women's Wrestling

55kg (17 entries)
Semifinal - Oleksandra KHOMENETS (UKR) df. Karla GODINEZ (CAN), 5-3
Semifinal - Mayu SHIDOCHI (JPN) df. Jacarra WINCHESTER (USA) by TF, 12-0, 2:10

62kg (24 entries)
Semifinal - Kayla MIRACLE (USA) df. Ana GODINEZ (CAN) by Fall, 1:38 (2-3)
Semifinal - Nonoka OZAKI (JPN) df. Aisuluu TYNYBEKOVA (KGZ), 11-5

#WrestleZagreb

World Championships 2025 Day 3 FS 65kg, 97kg and WW 55kg, 59kg Highlights

Monday, September 15, 2025 - 08:39 By Ken Marantz & Vinay Siwach

ZAGREB, Croatia (September 15) -- The World Championships day three will see the start of Women's Wrestling in Zagreb. Two weight classes -- 55kg and 59kg -- will be in action. Freestyle will continue in 65kg and 97kg with two Olympic champions in action.

WATCH LIVE | LIVE MATCH ORDER | DAY 2 RESULTS

65kg semifinals
SF 1: Rahman AMOUZAD (IRI) vs Piabani (CAN)
SF 2: Kotaro KIYOOKA (JPN) vs. Umidjon JALALOV (UZB)

14:56: Peiman BIABANI (CAN) comes back from a 2-0 down to beat Andrii BILIICHUK (UKR) in the 65kg quarterfinals. Biabani scored three stepouts and a takedown to take the lead and held on to it to win the quarterfinals.

14:55: SUJEET (IND) gave it all against Olympic silver medalist Rahman AMOUZAD (IRI) in the 65kg quarterfinals but Amouzad got a takedown in the final 20 seconds to be safe. Amouzad scored four stepout to lead 4-0 but struggled with conditioning. Sujeet scored a takedown and stepout to make it 4-3. Needing only one to win, Sujeet committed to a far leg attack and Amouzad countered with a takedown to make it 6-3. Sujeet scored a takedown with 4 seconds on the clock but could not get one point for the win. Amouzad reaches semifinal with a 6-3 win.

14:52: Olympic champ Kotaro KIYOOKA (JPN) fires out at the gun in his 65kg quarterfinal against Ibragim IBRAGIMOV (UWW), grabbing a single leg, snatching the other ankle and going straight to a lace-lock roll. The action, however, is so fast he is given just 2 points, which proves enough as he fends off Ibragimov to post a 3-0 victory. Kiyooka's final point came on an unsuccessful challenge after the buzzer when Ibragimov's side tried to get the Japanese penalized for fleeing, but the judges ruled he properly defended.

14:51: Umidjon JALOLOV (UZB) breaks open a close match with a pair of takedowns in a 20-second span of the second period, then holds on for a 5-3 victory over Sebastian RIVERA (PUR) to advance to the 65kg semifinals. Jalolov held the criteria advantage after both had received an activity point, but scored a takedown at with 1:20 left, then added another a short time later. Rivera picked up a takedown with :22 to go, but it was too little, too late.

55kg semifinals
SF 1: Sowaka UCHIDA (JPN) vs. Kyong Ryong OH (PRK)
SF 2: Ekaterina VERBINA (UWW) vs. Andreea ANA (ROU)

14:41: Kyong Ryong OH (PRK) uses her lace to great effect to deny any comeback from Elvira KAMALOGLU (TUR) in the 55kg quarterfinals. Oh manages to go past Kamaloglu 14-7

14:40: Sowaka UCHIDA (JPN) reaches the 55kg semifinals after beating Oleksandra KHOMENETS (UKR) 10-5. It was a takedown masterclass from Uchida who led 8-0 before Khomenets had a big four pointer. But Uchida kept her cool and managed to win 10-5.

14:39: Andreea ANA (ROU) runs 2022 world bronze medalist Karla GODINEZ (CAN) out of the ring in the final minute for a stepout with a fleeing point tacked on, putting her into the 55kg semifinals with a 3-1 victory. Each wrestler had received an activity point, with the Canadian holding the last-point criteria.

14:39: European champion Ekaterina VERBINA (UWW) scores three takedowns, which is enough to trump the 4-point takedown that Yaynelis SANZ VERDECIA (CUB) chalked up and temporarily put her in the lead. Verbina walks away with a 6-4 victory in the 55kg quarterfinal, in which all of the points came in the first period.

59kg semifinals
SF 1: Altjin TOGTOKH (MGL) vs. Sakura ONISHI (JPN)
SF 2: Laurence BEAUREGARD (CAN) vs. Maria VYNNYK (URK)

14:30: Elena BRUGGER (GER) and Altjin TOGTOKH (MGL) trade takedowns in the second period but Brugger leads 3-3 on criteria with a 2 minutes left. She makes it 5-3 with a takedown before two lace turns make it 9-3 with 1 minute left in the match. BUT TOGTOKH WITH A BIG MOVE AND FALL! She beats Brugger despite the latter leading 9-5 and advances to the 59kg semifinals.

14:26: After spotting Bediha GUN (TUR) a four-point lead, Laurence BEAUREGARD (CAN) comes back to go ahead on criteria in the second period, only to fall behind again. But Beauregard comes up with a late takedown to win 6-6 on criteria and earn a spot in the 59kg semifinals.

14:25: Mariia VYNNYK (UKR) hits the move of the day in the women's competition, tossing Othelie HOEIE (NOR) for 5 with a high-amplitude back suplex en route to a 11-0 victory to advance to the 59kg semifinals.

14:20: Sakura ONISHI (JPN) with an inside trip and the fall over Anastasiia SIDELNIKOVA (UWW) after a 12-0 lead. She advances to the 59kg semifinal and a step closer to the first senior world title. She is a two time world U20 champion, the second coming just a month ago in Samokov, Bulgaria.

97kg semifinals
SF 1: Akhmed TAZHUDINOV (BRN) vs Amirali AZARPIRA (IRI)
SF 2: Arash YOSHIDA (JPN) vs. Kyle SNYDER (USA)

14:15: Olympic champion Akhmed TAZHUDINOV (BRN) survives a huge scare against Magomed KURBANOV (UWW) in the 97kg quarterfinals. Kurbanov threated to run away with it when he began with two stepouts to lead 2-0. He made it 4-0 with a takedown but Tazhudinov got going in the second period with a takedown to cut the lead to 4-2. He used a front headlock move to score six more points to lead 8-2. A challenge, which was lost, from Kurbanov made it 9-4. But Kurbanov got a breather and then got a takedown to make it 9-6. In the final 15 seconds, he managed a front chestwrap exposure but Tazhudinov got a reversal as the score changed to 10-8. Tazhudinov gave up a stepout but still managed to win 10-9.

14:10: Young Arash YOSHIDA (JPN) puts on an impressive display of power, scoring five stepouts in bulling to a 6-2 victory over Olympic silver medalist Givi MATCHARASHVILI (GEO) to advance at 97kg. Yoshida's other point came on a rare reversal after he gave up a takedown. That sets up a rematch with Snyder of their semifinal encounter at the Tirana Ranking Series event in February won 5-5 by the Japanese.

14:09: Kyle SNYDER (USA) provides no openings for Zbigniew BARANOWSKI (POL) in their 97kg quarterfinal as the seven-time world medalist post a workmanlike 5-0 victory comprised of a takedown, two stepouts and an activity point.

14:05: The first semifinalist at 97kg is Olympic bronze medalist Amirali AZARPIRA (IRI) who beats VICKY (IND) 10-0 in 3:30. A blast double in that match from Azarpira for four points.

13:55: Kotaro KIYOOKA (JPN) spends much of his 65kg match trying to chase down the elusive Ayub MUSAEV (BEL), but he manages to snatch an ankle enough to score three takedowns, with one thigh-lock roll added in for a 9-4 victory. There was one lapse of caution, when Kiyooka was thrown for 4 on a counter lift, but was otherwise in no danger.

13:40: Real WOODS' (USA) got on point in his match against Olympic silver medalist Rahman AMOUZAD (IRI) and that was for a lost challenge from the Iranian. Otherwise, Amouzad showed why his underhooks are lethal, scoring 10 points from the move to win 12-1. A stepout and point for lost challenge from the United States were the other two points.

13:36: Three-time former European champion Andreea ANA (ROU) chalks up a 4-point move in the first period and two stepouts in the second and she's through to the 55kg quarterfinals with a 6-3 victory over 2024 world U20 champion Cristelle RODRIGUEZ (USA).

13:35: World silver medalist Sebastian RIVERIA (PUR) rolls to a 10-0 technical superiority win over Goderdzi DZEBISASHVILI (GEO) to secure his place in the 65kg quarterfinals.

13:28: SUJEET (IND) with a typical hard-working win over Kwang Jin KIM (PRK) at 65kg. A lot of stepout given up by a tired Kim. Sujeet into the quarterfinals.

13:25: Asian champion Kyong Ryong OH (PRK) looks like one to beat at women's 55kg as she storms to a 12-2 victory over Mihaela SAMOIL (MDA) to advance to the quarterfinals. Oh has a reply to all of Samoil's counter moves, and her victory in 2:36 includes a 4-point takedown off a double leg.

13:25: European champion Ekaterina VERBINA (UWW) with a fall over veteran Oleksandra KOGUT (AUT) at 55kg. Verbina is looking to win a first world medal at the senior level and she looks good to do it.

13:13: World silver medalist Oleksandra KHOMENETS (UKR) warms up with a 10-0 technical superiority win over Hyerim LEE (KOR) at 55kg. Khomenets is looking find her old form after returning from an injury.

13:12: Less than a month after winning a second straight world U20 gold, Sakura ONISHI (JPN) begins her quest for a title in her senior world debut with a 10-0 rout of Laylokhon SOBIROVA (UZB) at 59kg.

13:09: European champion and Olympic silver medalist Givi MATCHARASHVILI (GEO) eases by Shatlyk HEMELYAYEV (TKM) 4-0 in his opening match at 97kg as he looks to improve on his two career world bronze medals. A takedown in the first period and activity points in each half were all he needed.

13:10: Sowaka UCHIDA (JPN) holds on to her 8-4 lead and beats NISHU (IND) at 55kg to advance to the quarterfinals at the World Championships. This is her debut at the senior level

12:59: Asian champion Arash YOSHIDA (JPN), looking to give Japan a rare medal in the upper weights, continues his run with a 10-0 victory over Ertugrul AGCA (GER) at 97kg. Yoshida, whose father is Iranian and runs the kids club in Japan where he started the sport, scores a takedown and lace-lock roll in the first period, then finishes up the match with three takedowns in the second.

13:00: Pyol HONG (PRK) and Elena BRUGGER (GER) waited and waited for some action. Brugger took a 2-1 lead when Hong was on the second activity period and did not score. In the final 10 seconds, Hong locks Brugger's arms and throws her for two points and wins 3-2. Germany challenges the call. There was no danger for Brugger in that throw and the scores are reversed to 2-1 and a victory for Brugger at 59kg.

12:53: In a contentious match at 97kg that included penalty points and a dressing down of both wrestlers from the match chairman, Olympic bronze medalist Amirali AZARPIRA (IRI) comes away with a 6-3 victory over Akhmed MAGAMAEV (BUL).

12:42: Kyle SNYDER (USA), a 10-time world and Olympic medalist, begins his quest for an 11th one with a 10-0 victory over Cristian SARCO (VEN) at 97kg. He missed out on a medal in Paris, the first World or Olympics since 2015 that he failed to win a medal.

12:40: Kotaro KIYOOKA (JPN), competing internationally for the first time since his triumph at 65kg at the Paris Olympics -- with a new, braided hair style -- opens with a 13-2 victory over Alibeg ALIBEGOV (BRN). It is Alibegov who strikes first, surprising the Olympic champion with a quick double-leg takedown. But Kiyooka replies with a single-leg takedown, then transitions to his patented thigh-lock with the head between the legs and rolls twice for a 6-2 lead. He adds a stepout before the buzzer. Kiyooka stays on the attack in the second period and gains a takedown and two traditional lace-lock rolls to end the match in 4:59.

12:32: Paris Olympic and 2023 world bronze medalist Sebastien RIVERA (PUR)appears to wake up after giving up an early stepout to Chouaib SAHRAOUI (ALG) at 65kg. He comes back with a takedown, then goes on a gut wrench spree to make it 12-1, at which point Sahraoui throws in the towel and it officially goes into the books as a fall at 1:57.

12:30: World and Olympic champion Akhmed TAZHUDINOV (BRN) faces Magomedgadji NUROV (MKD) in his first match at 97kg. He begins with a takedown and stepout to lead 3-0. A blast double for four to make it 7-0. Two points for exposure to make it 9-0 before he finishes the match with a stepout.

12:29: Budpest Ranking Series champion SUJEET (IND) storms out to a quick 6-0 lead against Cavit ACAR (TUR) at 65kg, but it suddenly begins to evaporate as Acar scores a pair of defensive exposures and the exchange reversals. That puts Sujeet up 7-5 at the break. But he pulls away in the second period, with a 4-point takedown when Acar attempts a reverse counter lift and an unsuccessful challenge gives Sujeet a 15-5 win.

12:25: Vazgen TEVANYAN (ARM) was leading 5-0 but Abdulmazhid KUDIEV (TJK) hit a takedown and rallied a leg-lace to win to win 16-5. Tevanyan seems in some trouble with his knee. Armenia challenges and the last turn is removed. But down 14-5, Tevanyan managed only three more points as Kudiev wins 14-8.

12:18: Olympic silver medalist Rahman AMOUZAD (IRI) wastes little time in getting his campaign for a second career world gold at 65kg off to roaring start, using a 4-point takedown to finish off a 13-0 whitewash in just under two minutes. over Ikromzhon KHADZHIMURODOV (KGZ).

12:15: Ibragim IBRAGIMOV (UWW) controls his bout against Gantulga BATBAATAR (MGL) throughout the six minutes to win 12-0 and advance at 65kg. Ibragimov is trying to win his first world medal

11:54: Real WOODS (USA) gives no chance to Maxim SACULTAN (MDA) in his 65kg opening bout. Woods with a gut-wrench to rack up those points but he wins 11-0

11:38: A victory for the Philippines. In a battle between wrestlers from countries trying to develop the sport, American-born Arian CARPIO (PHI) defeats Victoria CHHEN (AUS) 7-0 to advance at women's 59kg. Carpio, who competed for the U.S. until 2019, scores a takedown-lack lock combination and stepout in the first period, then caps the win with a second-period takedown.

11:35: Seems like Sowaka UCHIDA (JPN) has recovered from an ankle injury she picked at the U20 World Championships. She starts her 55kg campaign with a 10-0 victory over Khulan BATKHUYAG (MGL)

11:20: Paris Olympic bronze medalist Amirali AZARPIRA (IRI) matches 2023 Asian Games bronze medalist Gankhuyag GANBAATAR (MGL) with an activity point and stepout, but both of his come in the second period and that gives the Iranian a 2-2 victory on last-point criteria at 97kg.

11:20: Jacarra WINCHESTER (USA), a world 55kg champion in 2019, moved up to 59kg for this World Championships but Hong LIANG (CHN) shows Winchester that there are different levels to this. She pins Winchester

11:14: Asian champion Arash YOSHIDA (JPN) picks up a first-period fall against Domantas PAULIUSCENKO (LTU) at 97kg, a weight class that is absolutely packed

11:10: In the first of many high-profile matchups to come in the super-stacked 97kg division, 2023 world 92kg champion Rizabek AITMUKHAN (KAZ) gives up a takedown and the lead with just under two minutes left to Magomed KURBANOV (UWW), the 2021 silver medalist at 92kg. But Aitmukhan gets behind off a scramble with :48, then adds a stepout. But a second apparent stepout with :08 left is overturned on challenge and awarded to Kurbanov, suddenly giving him a 4-4 lead on criteria. A last-ditch challenge at the end is denied, giving Kurbanov a 5-4 win.

10:58: Asian bronze medalist Kwang Jin KIM (PRK) gets a first-period takedown and that holds up for a 2-0 victory over Junsik YUN (KOR) to clear his first hurdle at 65kg.

10:50: A match marred with multiple medical timeouts, Olympic bronze medalist and world silver medalist Magomedkhan MAGOMEDOV (AZE) has to be carried off the mat after he called for an injury. Magomedov and VICKY (IND) battled it out and the India wrestler led 5-0 before Magomedov woke up. The score was 9-7 with Vicky leading but Magomedov scored a takedown and turn to lead 11-9. But he failed to recover for a restart and the match was decided with Vicky as winner.

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World Championships 2025 Day 3 FS 65kg, 97kg and WW 55kg, 59kg Highlights