Obituary

Vadim Psarev, Hall of Fame Greco-Roman Coach, Dies at 86

By United World Wrestling Press

ALMATY, Kazakhstan (January 14) -- Legendary Greco-roman wrestling coach Vadim PSAREV passed away Saturday, January 12 in Almaty, Kazakhstan. He was 86.

During his long career, Psarev coached five Olympic medalists, including three Olympic gold medals. The native Russian also coached 12 gold medalists at World Championships and World Cups. 

Psarev was recognized by United World Wrestling in 2014 with his selection to the organization's Hall of Fame. He was also awarded as an "Honored Coach of USSR" (1969) for his work with the USSR in the 40's, 50's and 60's. 

Psarev later became the head Greco-Roman coach for the Kazakhstan national team head coach and was later given the title of "Honored Coach of Kazakhstan."

A farewell ceremony for Psarev will be held on January 15 at 10am in the sports complex "Dostyk" at 48 Abay Avenue, Almaty.

Famous Wrestlers Under Psarev

Ushkempirov, Zhaksylyk (1951) - champion and medalist of the USSR Championships, medalist of the European Championships, World Championships and Olympic Games, Honored Master of Sports of the USSR.

Bakulin Vladimir (1939–2012) - prize-winner of the USSR Championships, European and World Championships, Olympic Games prize-winner, Honored Master of Sports of the USSR.

Detsiev Bisolt (1964) - champion of the USSR and Europe, winner of the USSR Cup and the world Cup,Asian Championship medallist.

Nazarenko Anatoly (1948) - champion and medalist of the USSR, Europe and World Championships, Olympic medalist, Honored Master of Sports of the USSR.

Rezantsev Valery (1946) - champion of the USSR, Europe, the world, the Olympic Games, Honored Master of Sports of the USSR.

#WrestleZagreb

WATCH: 10 Zagreb Open freestyle finals

By Eric Olanowski

ZAGREB, Croatia (February 8) -- The first Ranking Series event of the season, the Zagreb Open, just wrapped up in the Croatian capital. Wrestlers used the point-based competition to earn points towards their seeds at the five Continental Championships and Belgrade World Championships.

The United States topped the team standings with 174 points, while Iran and Azerbaijan rounded out the top three.

The Stars and Stripes had wrestlers win medals in seven of ten weight classes--including gold-medal performances from Alec William PANTALEO (USA)Jason Michael NOLF (USA)Kollin Raymond MOORE (USA) and Kyle Frederick SNYDER (USA) at 70kg, 74kg, 92kg and 97kg, respectively.

Iran finished in second place with 140 points, 34 points behind the United States, thanks to bracket winners Reza Ahmadali ATRINAGHARCHI (IRI)Ali Bakhtiar SAVADKOUHI (IRI),  Hassan Aliazam YAZDANICHARATI (IRI) and Amir Hossein Abbas ZARE (IRI).

Aliabbas RZAZADE (AZE) won gold at 57kg and helped Azerbaijan close out the competition in the third position. They had seven medalists--one gold, two silver and four bronze medals--and finished with 135 points.

Here are the 10 freestyle finals from Zagreb.

57kg Aliabbas RZAZADE (AZE) df. Yuto NISHIUCHI (JPN), 2-0