#BudaWrestle2018

Snyder-Sadulaev II Set, Japan Puts 2 in Women's Finals

By Andrew Hipps

BUDAPEST, Hungary (October 22) -- Last year, the 97kg gold-medal final between Kyle SNYDER (USA) and Abdulrashid SADULAEV (RUS) at the World Championships in Paris was called match was called the Match of the Century.That match is on again in Budapest. 

The two Rio Olympic champions took care of business in the semifinal round at the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, on Monday. Neither wrestler surrounded a point. 

Snyder picked up a controlled 3-0 victory over Pavlo OLIINYK (HUN). The American scored the only point in the first period off the shot clock. He then added an early takedown in the second period. He now turns his attention to Sadulaev. 

"I'm ready," said Snyder. "I'm prepared. I feel like I'm better than I was last time. It's going to be a great match. We'll both be recovered and ready to fight."

Sadulaev, the 2016 Olympic champion at 86kg, claimed his fourth technical fall in four matches, beating Elizbar ODIKADZE (GEO) 10-0 in the semifinals. Sadulaev took a 4-0 lead into the break, and then ended the match early in the second period after a takedown and two consecutive gut wrenches.

At 70kg in freestyle, veteran Adam BATIROV (BRN) will wrestle for his first world medal on the senior level at the age of 33 after dominating Andriy KVYATKOVSKYY (UKR) 10-0 in the semifinals. Batirov used a four-point arm throw in the first period, and then a takedown and two turns to end the match in the second period. 

2015 world champion Magomedrasul GAZIMAGOMEDOV (RUS) defeated returning world champion Zurabi IAKOBISHVILI (GEO) 3-1 at 70kg. Iakobishvili led 1-0 after the opening period, but GAZIMAGOMEDOV scored a point in the second period to take the criteria lead and then added to his lead with a late takedown.

Japanese women Mayu MUKAIDA and Risako KAWAI will be looking to add to their gold-medal collection on Tuesday after earning victories in the semifinals. 

Mukaida, a 2016 world champion, was impressive in winning 8-1 over 20-year-old junior silver medalist Qi ZHANG (CHN). She scored off three takedowns in the first period and added another one in the final period to win by seven.

Her finals opponent at 55kg will be Zalina SIDAKOVA (BLR), who snuck past Jacarra WINCHESTER (USA) in the semifinals. The two traded points off the shot clock before Sidakova forced a step out to take a 2-1 lead. Winchester fired off a double leg in the closing seconds and was initially awarded the takedown, but it was white paddled and Sidakova took the victory.

Kawai, the reigning world and Olympic champion, claimed a 10-0 technical fall in the semifinals over Svetlana LIPATOVA (RUS). She went up 6-0 in the first period after two takedowns and a turn. She then ended the match early in the second period with another takedown and turn. Kawai outscored her opposition 36-0 on Monday.  

In the other semifinal at 59kg, Elif YESILIRMAK (TUR) trailed 1-1 on criteria with 1:30 left before getting a takedown and locking up a lace which he used to score four turns en route to picking up an 11-1 technical fall.  

Semifinal Results

Freestyle

70kg
Adam BATIROV (BRN) df. Andriy KVYATKOVSKYY (UKR) by VSU, 10-0
Magomedrasul GAZIMAGOMEDOV (RUS) df. Zurabi IAKOBISHVILI (GEO) by VPO1, 3-1

97kg
Kyle SNYDER (USA) df. Pavlo OLIINYK (HUN) by VPO, 3-0
Abdulrashid SADULAEV (RUS) df. Elizbar ODIKADZE (GEO) by VSU, 10-0

Women's wrestling

55kg
Zalina SIDAKOVA (BLR) df. Jacarra WINCHESTER (USA) by VPO1, 2-1
Mayu MUKAIDA (JPN) df. Qi ZHANG (CHN) by VPO1, 8-1

59kg
Elif Jale YESILIRMAK (TUR) df. Shoovdor BAATARJAV (MGL) by VSU1, 11-1
Risako KAWAI (JPN) df. Svetlana LIPATOVA (RUS) by VSU, 10-0

#development

Moldova Hosts UWW Coaching Course

By United World Wrestling Press

KISHINEV, Moldova (October 30) --- Moldova boasts a rich wrestling history and a strong tradition of excellent performance in the sport. In their ongoing efforts to foster the development and growth of wrestling, a Technical Course for Coaches (Level 2) and an Introduction to Refereeing Course were organized. These courses were conducted in partnership with the Moldova Olympic Committee, Olympic Solidarity and United World Wrestling.

"As the President of the Wrestling Federation of Moldova, I feel satisfaction in seeing how our shared passion for wrestling unites us," said Ivan GHEORGHIU. "The seminar has brought a wealth of interesting information and knowledge, as well as a valuable opportunity to discuss and exchange experiences. We must use this experience and knowledge to uphold high standards in our sport in Moldova."

Yusup ABDUSALAMOV, UWW Educator, and Arsen JULFALAKYAN, President of UWW Athlete Commission, led the Level 2 Coaching Course, which took place October 16-20. 

MDAParticipants walk through how to develop a practice plan during the Level 2 Coaching Course in Moldova. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

Throughout the course, Abdusalamov and Julfalakyan led 59 participants in sessions focused on practice-plan development, long-term athlete development model, risk management, discipline in sport, anti-doping, mental development and athlete safeguarding.

"Overall, the course went well, and I am satisfied with the participants' engagement and progress throughout the training. I anticipate their enhanced coaching skills will have a positive impact on their athletes in the future," said Abdusalamov.

"Since my cadet ages, I had the opportunity to compete with Moldavian wrestlers, be acquainted with their wrestling style and build friendly relations. Until now, I haven't managed to visit their beautiful country to witness their conditions for wrestling and how they run our beloved sport," said Julfalakyan, the world champion and Olympic silver medalist. "We met most of the Moldavian coaches and referees, held very fruitful seminars (theory and practical part), and discussed some important wrestling topics with the NF President and other members. They are very motivated to develop all wrestling styles in their country."

MDA
Participants of the Technical Course for Coaches (Level 2) and the Introduction to Refereeing Course pose for a group photo. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

"As both an athlete and a coach, the information I received at the Technical Course for Coaches Level II was incredibly beneficial, particularly concerning the long-term athlete development model. I also appreciated your personal experiences and the practical applicability of all the information," said Mikhail SAVA.

In addition to the coaching course, Moldova hosted an Introduction to Refereeing course. Igor LIGAY, an IS Referee and UWW Educator, led the course, which 29 participants attended. During the course, the participants focused on the tools needed to excel as a high-level referee. These areas included referee team duties, referee mechanics, controlling the bout, referee position, and scoring situations. 

"Thank you very much for the knowledge, skills, abilities and information you shared with us," said Mihail.

"All seminar participants actively participated in the process, asked questions and participated in discussions. They were often surprised how much the rules had changed. After the seminar, many expressed gratitude for the knowledge they received and expressed a desire to hold similar seminars in Moldova every year," Ligay.