Takahashi Aims to Make Most of Renewed Shot at Olympic Qualifying

Monday, May 3, 2021 - 12:19 By Ken Marantz

TOKYO --- For the second time, a former world champion in Japan whose dream of making it to the Tokyo Olympics had all but crushed, found it suddenly revived through a twist of fate over which they had no control.

Yuki TAKAHASHI (JPN) will get a chance that he never thought would come to qualify Japan for the Tokyo Olympics at freestyle 57kg when he takes the mat at the Final World Olympic Qualifying Tournament on May 6-9 in Sofia, Bulgaria.

The opportunity arose when Rio 2016 Olympic silver medalist Rei HIGUCHI (JPN) surprisingly failed to make weight at the Asian Olympic qualifier held in early April in Almaty. The Japan federation decided soon after to dispatch Takahashi to Sofia.

"Honestly speaking, as an athlete I was happy that the chance came my way," the 27-year-old Takahashi said during a recent online press conference with the Japanese media. "Up to now, the coronavirus pushed everything back and it was difficult for me to keep going. At times I thought, 'What am I doing this for?'"

Takahashi, who had figured his fate would be decided at the time that Higuchi either made the final in Almaty or didn't, instead got the news much earlier. He said he was eating lunch with his wife when he was informed that Higuchi had been disqualified.

"It was like a dream," the 2017 world champion said. "It was a Sunday and I had the day off. I was relaxing and eating when the news came. But I can't suddenly rush into things and change gears. I need to go at my own pace and start preparing."

Takahashi faces a substantially higher hurdle to overcome than the one cleared by Yui SUSAKI (JPN), the former two-time world champion who secured a Tokyo berth in the women's 50kg division at Almaty.

For one thing, Susaki had just four other entrants in the Asian qualifier from which the top two earned tickets to Tokyo; Takahashi could have as many as 26 rivals in Sofia, based on the preliminary entry list, for the same number of spots.

On top of that, even if he finishes in the top two, Takahashi will then have to face Higuchi in a playoff for the Tokyo Olympics ticket later in May. But it's a situation that he has accepted.

"I'm the [original] loser, so even if I win [in Sofia], it doesn't decide things yet," Takahashi said. "It can't be helped, that's the rule. It's quite clear."

Takahashi lost out to Higuchi for a place on the team to the Rio Olympics, but came back later that year to win his first national title. In 2017, he made his mark globally, triumphing at the Asian Championships before winning the gold at the World Championships in Paris. He followed that with a bronze medal at the 2018 World Championships in Budapest.

But Takahashi's Olympic hopes went awry at the 2019 World Championships in Nursultan, where a medal would have clinched a place for Japan and himself at the Tokyo Olympics. Instead, a fourth-round loss left him in 10th place and empty-handed on all counts.

Meanwhile, Higuchi had dropped back to 57kg after going up a weight class after Rio and then making an unsuccessful run at qualifying for Tokyo at 65kg (although he won the world U-23 gold in that weight class along the way).

With the right to fight for the Olympic place in the Asian qualifier on the line, Higuchi defeated Takahashi in the final of the All-Japan Championships in December 2019.

Even with year delay, the odds were certainly in Higuchi's favor --- three Asian nations had earned 57kg berths in Nursultan, and there were just nine entries. But not even making it to the mat was a development nobody had foreseen.

Higuchi's misfortune became a gift for Takahashi, who had started a new job as a coach at his alma mater Yamanashi Gakuin University in April after leaving the wrestling team at security company ALSOK.

Up to then, Takahashi had found it difficult to remain motivated, although the competitive juices flowed again at the All-Japan Championships in December last year, where a victory put him first in line if Higuchi faltered in Almaty.

"While I was practicing, I never knew if I would be able to take part [in the qualifiers]," Takahashi said. "It was not so much that I gave up hope as my heart just wasn't in it. I went though the usual routine in practice, but I didn't care.

"I got back into it at the All-Japan Championships because it was competition again. I think it was important to have that change of heart."

Takahashi acknowledged that the Olympics were always in the back of his mind as he toiled away over the past year, helplessly waiting for the door to either reopen or be permanently closed.

"Of course I kept it in mind," he said. "Nobody could say there was zero possibility. In sports, you don't know what will happen. I kept going with the notion to never give up to the end."

While he has had to take a circuitous and uncertain path to keep his Olympic dream alive, Takahashi feels the setbacks along the way have made him stronger.

"I hit rock bottom," he said. "Aside from someone dying, there can't be a more painful experience in a lifetime. But it's become a strong point for me. I've never thought of myself as unlucky. In life there are good times and bad, and if I go to the Tokyo Olympics and I am successful, that will be good."

To get there, he will need to defeat some equally determined opponents. Among those on the preliminary list, the one who stands out is Reineri ANDREU ORTEGA (CUB), a two-time World U-23 champion who placed third at the Pan American Olympic qualifying tournament.

Takahashi beat Andreu Ortega in two previous meetings, both in 2018 and both close matches. The Japanese came out on top 7-5 in a clash at that year's World Cup, then again 5-4 in the bronze-medal match at the World Championships.

Others expected to be in the running are 2018 European champion Giorgi EDISHERASHVILI (AZE), 2018 Asian Games gold medalist Bekhbayar ERDENEBAT (MGL) and Muhamad IKROMOV (TJK), the 2020 Asian silver medalist at 61kg who finished third in the Asian Olympic qualifier.

"Japan is traditionally strong in the lightweight classes and I've added a few medals myself," Takahashi said. "I will fight with a feeling of responsibility, and stay relaxed and do my style of wrestling. If I properly prepare, I can come out on top."

When the call came and the national team coach told Takahashi, "It's your turn," the main concern was whether a little more than three weeks was enough time to get ready. Even though he had been practicing all that time, it is different than working toward peaking at a tournament.

"I've never had this experience," Takahashi said. "But I knew it was possible. It's always been that if Higuchi didn't produce a result at the Asian qualifier, I could be going. It was only natural that I was preparing. There's no extra burden to getting in shape."

Asked how he would describe his current condition, he replied, "It's not bad, it's not great. It just as usual. Now that I've been selected to be sent to the tournament, I have put all my worries behind and can focus."

Takahashi said his new job as coach at Yamanashi Gakuin has given him a fresh perspective on the sport. Yamanashi Gakuin is one of Japan's collegiate powerhouses, and among its many decorated alumni is 2018 world champion Takuto OTOGURO, who has already qualified for the Tokyo Olympics at freestyle 65kg.

"For me, it's really a change," Takahashi said. "When I was at ALSOK, I could think only of myself. But when you become a coach, you must keep in contact with the students."

His new situation really hit home when the JOC Cup, a junior-level tournament that includes younger collegians, was recently canceled due a surge in the coronavirus that led to Tokyo declaring a state of emergency for the third time since the start of the pandemic.

"It was a qualifier for the world junior and Asian junior championships," he said. "As a wrestler, I would have been thinking, 'What am I doing this for?' But now, my thinking has to be, how should we proceed with wrestling? What kind of advice can I give them? It's really made me think."

As a active wrestler, Takahashi also keeps in mind the importance of leading by example.

"They see the position I am in now and the tough times that I had to go through," he said. "What I want to tell them is, if you don't give up, your chance will come. Not through words, but through your actions."

Coming home with an Olympic berth for his country would provide the perfect example of making the most of an opportunity.

#WrestleBelgrade

Ghasempour repeats at 92kg to give Iran first gold

Saturday, September 17, 2022 - 23:56 By Ken Marantz

BELGRADE, Serbia (Sept. 17)--The gash over the right eye of Kamran GHASEMPOUR (IRI) attested to the intensity of the battle. The gold medal around his neck will be a lifetime reminder of the outcome of a fearless performance.

Ghasempour provided some cheer for an underachieving Iranian team in Belgrade when he repeated as 92kg champion with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Jden COX (USA) in one of three freestyle finals on Saturday, the eighth day of the World Championships.

The United States, which had already clinched the team title heading into the night session, split the two other finals, adding a third gold when Kyle DAKE (USA) defended his 74kg title but seeing Thomas GILMAN (USA) dethroned at 57kg when Russian-born Zelimkhan ABAKAROV (ALB) gave Albania its first-ever world champion.

Kamran GHASEMPOUR (IRI) and J'den COX (USA) embraced each other after the 92kg final. (Photo: UWW / Kostadin Andonov)

After the Iranian Greco team went gold-less, Ghasempour watched as two compatriots lost to American wrestlers in the freestyle finals on Friday night.

Looking to restore his nation's pride, he scored a first-period takedown while on the activity clock, then made that lead hold up in a repeat of his victory over Cox in the world semifinals a year ago in Oslo.

"I hope this has lifted the spirits of the Iranian people who have been waiting for a gold medal for a few days since the championships began," said Ghasempour, a two-time Asian and world U23 champion who won his first senior world title in 2021.

While the second period lacked points, there was no scarcity of action, with a number of exciting scrambles and the gash suffered by Ghasempour providing testament to the fervor of the two combatants.

"My opponent is a very technical and tricky opponent," Ghasempour said. "I did not give up a single point against him which could have put me in danger of losing the gold. I am happy that my preparations for this match ensured I win the gold medal."

In the final minute, Ghasempour, his head now taped, found himself on his stomach clinging to Cox's leg after a deep single attempt. Cox kneeled over the Iranian and reached back for one of his legs, pulling up for a counter lift. But the referee stopped the action as dangerous, and Cox showed his frustration by throwing down the leg and storming back to the middle of the mat.

"I just wanted to put a lot of attacks together," Cox said. "I was pushing it to try to get something. It's probably the most I have done without getting any points, which is testimony to him and his wrestling ability, his IQ."

After the intense match ended, there was no bad blood between the two and they showed their respect for each other. Cox even shared a hug with the Iranian coach when he went over for the traditional handshake.

"Six-minute battle and we both enjoyed it, pushed to get what we wanted, which was the gold medal, and today he came out on top," Cox said. "There is a lot of mutual respect."

For Cox, it was the first time he ended a World Championships on a losing note. He won world titles in 2018 and 2019 along with bronzes in 2017 and 2021. He also has an Olympic bronze from 2016 at 86kg.

"It's a first for everything and it is my first silver medal," he said. "Losing to get silver sucks. But to get here and do this, I worked my butt off for this. I regret nothing. Tough bout."

Will there be a third clash of the titans? The 27-year-old Cox is tempted, but for now, that would have to come at the Olympic weight of 97kg, which he says is his next destination.

"Ninety-seven kilograms starts today," Cox said. "There is an itch in me that keeps telling me to come back for Ghasempour. One more year. One more year. As far as the years go, I think it's smarter for me to move to 97kg."

Kyle DAKE (USA) won the 74kg final 3-1 to win the world title for the fourth time. (Photo: UWW / Martin Gabor)

Dake, the bronze medalist at the Tokyo Olympics, captured the fourth gold of his career and second straight at 74kg in a similar fashion, scoring a first-period takedown and making that hold up for a 3-1 victory over Tajmuraz SALKAZANOV (SVK) in a rematch of the 2021 world final.

There are those who might contend that Dake went too much into defensive mode in the second period, an argument that has a rare caution that awarded 1-point to Salkazanov as evidence.

That said, Salkazanov, who was looking to become Slovakia's first-ever world champion, did not appear overly aggressive until the waning moments of the match.

"Salkazanov is a great opponent, he's very dangerous," said Dake, who won his first two world golds, in 2018 and 2019 at 79kg before dropping down to the Olympic weight and displacing Jordan BURROUGHS (USA). "I just had to keep him off balance.

"That was the biggest thing for me, just stay strong. Obviously, all my opponents are tough. Kudos to them for pushing me to get here and appreciate it."

After all of the disruptions from the pandemic, Dake hopes the situation remains smooth heading to the Paris Olympics.

"I can't control what happens in the outside world," he said. "You just got to go out and play the cards [you're dealt]. Last year was an 'interesting' year, this year is more normal. Hopefully, they continue to be this way leading to the Paris Olympics."

Zelimkhan ABAKAROV (ALB) defeated defending world champion Thomas GILMAN (USA) to win the gold at 57kg. (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

At 57kg, Abakarov made history for his adopted home of Albania with a solid 7-2 victory over Gilman in his first career appearance at a World Championships and his first tournament since 2017 in the lowest weight class.

"Of course, I believed that I could win," said Abakarov. "If I hadn’t believed in myself, I wouldn’t have won the gold. I worked hard for it. I knew he was the reigning world champion, he is a worthy opponent. I was sure that I was able to win."

Abakarov took the fight to Gilman from the outset, starting off with an arm throw for 2. He added a go-behind takedown and received a penalty point for finger-grabbing before Gilman finally got the board with a stepout to make it 5-1 at the break.

In the second period, Abakarov scored with a double-leg takedown, and Gilman added a second stepout. Gilman had a chance to cut the gap and get within striking distance when he got in on a single and lifted Abakarov's leg into the air, but the Albanian squirmed out of the predicament.

Abakarov began competing for Albania this year, after years of being stuck in the Russian system and never breaking into the national team for major tournaments.

"It’s my first year wrestling for Albania," he said. "Before that, I was wrestling in Russia, but I couldn’t make it to qualify for the top tournaments, because the competition there is tough.

"My coaches are here [in Albania], here is my father, from early childhood he was coaching me, since I was 6 or 7. I had many coaches, I can’t even remember all of their names. But I want to say thank you to all those who ever taught me."

Abakarov made a drastic drop down to 57kg for Belgrade, having won the Mediterranean Games and finishing second at the Islamic Solidarity Games at 65kg earlier this summer. He said it doesn't make his job any easier as he aims for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

"The competition in 57kg is really tough," he said. "We will be getting ready for the next year for the world championships to qualify for the Olympics."

Stevan MICIC (SRB) won Serbia's first-ever World Championships medal in freestyle. (Photo: UWW / Kostadin Andonov)

Micic gives host Serbia freestyle medal

In the bronze-medal matches, host Serbia, which saw four of its Greco-Roman wrestlers crowned as champions, avoided a podium shutout in freestyle when two-time European bronze medalist Stevan MICIC (SRB) came through with a solid win at 57kg.

Micic scored two with a counter lift in the first period and added two takedowns in the second to defeat two-time world U23 medalist Reineri ANDREU (CUB) 7-1.

Micic, who was born in the U.S and raised in a Serbian enclave in the state of Indiana, competed for the U.S. up to 2016, winning a world junior bronze in 2015. He was a three-time All-American at Michigan University.

The other bronze at 57kg went to Zanabazar ZANDANBUD (MGL), who nailed Wanhao ZOU (CHN) with a standing pancake and secured a fall in 4:33 for his first major medal since winning an Asian silver in 2017. Each wrestler had one point from an activity point at the time.

Frank CHAMIZO (ITA), blue, defeated Soner DEMIRTAS (TUR) 5-3 to win the 74kg bronze. (Photo: UWW / Kostadin Andonov)

In a battle of bronze medalists from the 2016 Rio Olympics, two-time former world champion Frank CHAMIZO (ITA) eked out a 5-3 victory over Soner DEMIRTAS (TUR) at 74kg to take home his fifth world medal.

An activity point each left Chamizo ahead on criteria when Demirtas launched a takedown attempt in the second period. In the scramble that followed, both were awarded two points, but Chamizo's came second to maintain the criteria advantage at 3-3. A last-second takedown added the final points.

At 74kg, Asian champion Yones EMAMI (IRI) picked up his second world bronze when he combined three stepouts and a takedown in a comprehensive 6-0 victory over 18-year-old Sagar JAGLAN (IND), who was fighting for a senior medal a month after winning world U20 bronze.

Miriani MAISURADZE (GEO) scored a stepout in the final second to win the 92kg bronze. (Photo: UWW / Kostadin Andonov)

In a wild one at 92kg, European bronze medalist Miriani MAISURADZE (GEO) squandered an eight-point lead, only to score a stepout at the buzzer to snatch a 12-10 victory over European silver medalist Ahmed BATAEV (BUL) to medal in his senior world debut.

After Bataev got an opening takedown, Maisuradze secured a lace lock while scoring a takedown, then reeled off four rolls to go up 10-2. In the second period, Bataev chipped away at the lead until he tied it with a fourth straight takedown with :13 left.

Maisuradze came to life after that and managed to shuffle Bataev out at the buzzer. The challenge replay showed there was 0.3 seconds on the clock when Bateav's foot stepped down out of bounds. The unsuccessful challenge added the final point.

In the second match at 92kg, Osman NURMAGOMEDOV (AZE) earned his second consecutive world bronze when he overwhelmed Radoslaw MARCINKIEWICZ (POL) by 11-0 technical fall, beating the clock in the first period by scoring a takedown and completing three gut wrenches with eight seconds left.

Kyle SNYDER (USA) defeated Mohammadhossein MOHAMMADIAN (IRI) in the 97kg semifinal. (Photo: UWW / Martin Gabor)

Snyder makes 6th world final; Higuchi through

In the final set of semifinals earlier in the night session, Olympic silver medalist Kyle SNYDER (USA) advanced to the 97kg gold-medal match and, while he won't be facing the arch-rival in a bid for a third world title and first since 2017, he will be taking on Batyrbek TSAKULOV (SVK).

Snyder shot for and completed a takedown right off the opening whistle, and then fended off the attacks of Asian champion Mohammadhossein MOHAMMADIAN (IRI) for a 4-1 victory. Snyder also received an activity point in the first period, while the two traded stepouts in the second.

In Sunday's final, which will close the curtain on the nine-day competition, Snyder will face European silver medalist Batyrbek TSAKULOV (SVK), who roared to eight second-period points to complete a 10-0 technical fall over Givi MATCHARASHVILI (GEO).

The Russian-born Tsakulov, who began competing for Slovakia last year, will aim to become that country's first world champion in freestyle.

For the first time since 2017, the final will not be between Snyder and longtime nemesis Abdulrashid SADULAEV (RWF).

Snyder, the gold medalist at the 2016 Rio Olympics, lost to Sadulaev in the finals of 2018, 2019 and 2021 World Championships as well as last year's Tokyo Olympics. Whichever color, the world medal in Belgrade will be the sixth of his career.

Rei HIGUCHI (JPN) reached the 61kg final after beating Seth GROSS (USA) 14-7. (Photo: UWW / Martin Gabor)

In other action, 2016 Olympic silver medalist Rei HIGUCHI (JPN) advanced to the 61kg final in his first senior World Championships, while preventing the U.S. from having six of six finalists over the final two days.

Higuchi rallied to a 14-7 win over Seth GROSS (USA) by firing a barrage of low singles that the American spent all match reaching over and trying to counter lift, to some success but eventually not enough.

"It was tough," said Higuchi, who prepped for the worlds by winning his first senior Asian title in April. "I took it too lightly at times in trying to finish up [takedowns], but I'll fix that and make sure I'll be able to win in the final."

Higuchi took a 4-1 lead into the second period, only for Gross to go ahead 5-4 with a counter roll and a defensive takedown. After an exchange, Higuchi managed to gain exposure points three times by leveraging Gross over while in on singles.

"I'm confident that no one beats me in terms of the amount of training, so I put my stamina to use up to the end and was able to pull away," said Higuchi, for whom a gold will be some redemption for missing out on the Tokyo Olympics, mainly because he failed to make weight at 57kg at the Asian Olympic qualifying tournament.

In the final, Higuchi will face 2019 Asian champion Reza ATRI (IRI), who scored two takedowns in the final 40 seconds to knock off Narankhuu NARMANDAKH (MGL) 5-3.

Iran and the U.S. both have two other finalists, and they will clash for the 65kg crown.

Rahman AMOUZAD (IRI) went on a takedown spree in the second period to pull away from Olympic silver medalist Haji ALIYEV (AZE) for a 9-2 win, while Yianni DIAKOMIHALIS (USA) needed just :53 to overpower Sebastian RIVERA (PUR) in a 10-0 technical fall.

Day 8 Freestyle Results

57kg (31 entries)
Gold - Zelimkhan ABAKAROV (ALB) df. Thomas GILMAN (USA), 7-2

Bronze - Zanabazar ZANDANBUD (MGL) df. Wanhao ZOU (CHN) by Fall, 4:33 (3-1)
Bronze - Stevan MICIC (SRB) df. Reineri ANDREU (CUB), 7-1

61kg (24 entries)
Semifinal - Rei HIGUCHI (JPN) df. Seth GROSS (USA), 14-7
Semifinal - Reza ATRI (IRI) df. Narankhuu NARMANDAKH (MGL), 5-3

65kg (27 entries)
Semifinal - Rahman AMOUZAD (IRI) df. Haji ALIYEV (AZE), 9-2
Semifinal - Yianni DIAKOMIHALIS (USA) df. Sebastian RIVERA (PUR) by TF, 10-0, :53

74kg (34 entries)
Gold - Kyle DAKE (USA) df. Tajmuraz SALKAZANOV (SVK), 3-1

Bronze - Yones EMAMI (IRI) df. Sagar JAGLAN (IND), 6-0
Bronze - Frank CHAMIZO (ITA) df. Soner DEMIRTAS (TUR), 5-3

92kg (23 entries)
Gold - Kamran GHASEMPOUR (IRI) df. Jden COX (USA), 2-0

Bronze - Miriani MAISURADZE (GEO) df. Ahmed BATAEV (BUL), 12-10
Bronze - Osman NURMAGOMEDOV (AZE) df. Radoslaw MARCINKIEWICZ (POL) by TF, 11-0, 2:52

97kg (23 entries)
Semifinal - Kyle SNYDER (USA) df. Mohammadhossein MOHAMMADIAN (IRI), 4-1
Semifinal - Batyrbek TSAKULOV (SVK) df. Givi MATCHARASHVILI (GEO) by TF, 10-0

Takahashi Aims to Make Most of Renewed Shot at Olympic Qualifying

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Ghasempour repeats at 92kg to give Iran first gold