#WrestleTokyo

Youngsters Shine in Greco-Roman; Tynybekova, Kawai Reach Semifinals

Tuesday, August 3, 2021 - 07:45 By Vinay Siwach

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CHIBA, Japan (August 3) --- Out of the 49 wrestlers that took the mat Tuesday at the Makuhari Messe Hall in Chiba, 22 were world champions at the senior or age group level. By the end of the morning session eight remained in the hunt for the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics.

Wrestling saw action in 67kg and 87kg in Greco-Roman and 62kg in women's wrestling as it entered day three of the Olympics in Chiba Prefecture, 20 kilometers from downtown Tokyo. Semifinals were decided in all three of the weight categories.

A host of upsets in the morning sessions gave way to young blood in the 67kg semifinals. Former cadet world champion Ramaz ZOIDZE (GEO) reached the semifinal after dumping Rio Olympic gold medalist Ismael BORRERO (CUB) in the opening round. Borrero was trailing 1-1 on criteria after giving up passivity in the second period. He went for a head pinch to get two points but instead gave up a takedown to trail 1-3. A late step out point was not enough as the defending champion lost 3-2.

Zoidze will face will face U23 world champion Mohammadreza GERAEI (IRI) in the semifinals as he upset three-time world champion Frank STAEBLER (GER) 5-5 in the quarterfinals. Staebler was leading 5-3 when the referees called for a leg-foul and it was awarded to Geraei. The two had one caution each and a similar scoring pattern but the Iran wrestler had the last point and was declared the winner.

ElsayedMohamed ELSAYED (EGY) is one of the two wrestlers from his country to make the semifinalists in Tokyo. (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

The other semifinal will also see young guns Parviz NASIBOV (UKR) take on Mohamed ELSAYED (EGY). Multiple times age-group world medalist Nasibov claimed 2018 world champion Artem SURKOV (ROC) with a 1-1 score. The two had a passivity each but it was the Ukrainian who had it in the second period.

Elsayed had a frantic first bout against two-time world champion RYU Hansu (KOR) but hung in for a 7-6 win. In the quarterfinals he was in deep water against former junior world champion Karen ASLANYAN (ARM), but pulled out a 7-7 victory to reach the semifinals.

While it was youngsters who shone in 67kg, veterans ruled the 87kg weight class. In the final lap of his career, world champion Viktor LORINCZ (HUN) reached the semifinal and will take on Mohamed METWALLY (EGY). He defeated Atabek AZISBEKOV (KGZ) 6-1 in the first bout before he stopped Rio bronze medalist Denis KUDLA (GER) 1-1 in the quarterfinal.

Metwally was the surprise entry in the list as he won by technical superiority 9-1 over Individual World Cup winner Kiril MASKEVICH (BLR). He then pulled out a fall over Daniel GREGORICH HECHAVARRIA (CUB) to reach the semifinal.

Rio silver medalist and world champion Zhan BELENIUK (UKR) will take on Ivan HUKLEK (CRO) in the other semifinal at 87kg. Beleniuk continued his well planned strategy of trying to attack more in the second period, resulting in him winning the criteria lead.

Zhan BELENIUKZhan BELENIUK (UKR) reached the 87kg semifinal. (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

In the first bout, he wrestled European champion Zurabi DATUNASHVILI (SRB) and won 3-1 after a big gut from par terre. Bachir SID AZARA (ALG) kept the match tighter, but it was Beleniuk gutting out the 1-1 win and trip to the semifinals.

Huklek removed Rio Olympic bronze medalist Rustam ASSAKOLO (UZB) in the quarterfinal with a 4-1 win. He began with a 5-3 win over John STEFANOWICZ (USA).

On the women's side, world champion Aisuluu TYNYBEKOVA (KGZ) booked her spot in the second straight Olympic semifinal and will take on Iryna KOLIADENKO (UKR). In 2016, Tynybekova lost her semifinal and later the bronze medal bout.

But she looked a wrestler on a mission as she defeated Anastasija GRIGORJEVA (LAT) 8-0 with those trademark double-leg takedowns. And just when it seemed that Kriszta INCZE (ROU) will be a problem, she exposed the Romanian to her back and won via fall.

AIsuluu TynybekovaAisuluu TYNYBEKOVA (KGZ) is in the 62kg semifinal. (Photo: UWW / Martin Gabor)

Koliadenko also looks like the one to cause the upset as she won both her bouts via fall. First was Aminat ADENIYI (NGR) who was up 4-0 but the Ukrainian smashed her to the mat and the referee took their time but finally called it a pin. LONG Jia (CHN) was her next victim as she also suffered a fall in the first period itself.

Even if Tynybekova clears the semifinals, she will meet one of the two main rivals in the Olympic finals as KAWAI Yukako (JPN) and Taybe YUSEIN (BUL) made it to the semifinal from the other side of the bracket at 62kg.

Kawai, wrestling at her first Olympics, got her lace going against Liubov OVCHAROVA (ROC) to win 10-0 before she won 10-2 against a tiring Henna JOHANSSON (SWE). The Swede did give up a point for passivity but managed a takedown but Kawai came back stronger with a four pointer as well to win.

Yusein was also dominant in her two bouts as she got Bolortuya KHURELKHUU (MGL) in a arm-to-chest wrap and got the rolls for a 10-0 win in no time. But her opening win was 4-1 against Lais NUNES (BRA).

The semifinals will be followed by the medal bouts of the Greco-Roman 77kg and 97kg and women's 68kg weight classes.

#WrestleTirana

Muhamet Malo 2025 Ranking Series Freestyle Finals

Wednesday, February 26, 2025 - 09:26 By Vinay Siwach

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TIRANA, Albania (February 26) -- The second Ranking Series of 2025, Muhamet Malo, is underway in Tirana, Albania. Kicking off with Freestyle, six weight class will be held on day one -- 57kg, 61kg, 65kg, 70kg, 74kg and 86kg

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15:30: Chandler MARSTELLER (USA) and Bolat SAKAYEV (KAZ) enter the 86kg final after contrasting wins. Marsteller controlled his way to a 4-0 win over Sebastian JEZIERZANSKI (POL) while Sakayev hangs on for a 4-4 criteria win over Tariel GAPHRINDASHVILI (GEO).

15:20: Chermen VALIEV (ALB) finds a way to beat Yones EMAMI (IRI) 8-3 in the 74kg semifinal. A big armthrow for two points for Valiev which he challenged to ask for four points. Emami with a takedown to lead 3-2 at break. But Valiev switches levels in the second period with six points including a takedown and gut wrench to win 803. He will face Taimuraz SALKAZANOV (SVK) in the final. Salkazanov will be aiming for his second straight Ranking Series gold medal after he defeated Magoma DIBIRGADZHIEV (UWW) 5-0 in the other semifinal. Two takedowns in his win.

15:15: Vazgen TEVANYAN (ARM) blanks Akaki KEMERTELIDZE (GEO) 6-0 to enter the 70kg final. He will take on Asian silver medalist Yoshinosuke AOYAGI (JPN) who hangs on for a 2-1 win over James GREEN (USA) despite Green's multiple efforts to score. Aoyagi with some sneaky defense.

15:05: Rahman AMOUZAD (IRI) is into another Ranking Series final but not without a fight. Real WOODS (USA) had him in trouble in the first period with a takedown but Amouzad kept the pace of the bout and score seven stepouts, two takedowns and a point for Woods fleeing to win 13-2

Amouzad will face Taiyrbek ZHUMASHBEK UULU (KGZ) in the final after the Kyrgyz beat Kaisei TANABE (JPN) 14-3 in the other semifinal. Zhumashbek led 1-1 on criteria but was put on activity clock again but he scored two points via attempted suplex. Tanabe blocked his second throw attempt and scored two. Tanabe challenged but there was no change in scoring and it gave Zhumashbek Uulu another point. A takedown later, Zhumashbek led 8-3 before he finished the bout with another throw for four and turn for two.

14:50: Takara SUDA (JPN), making his international debut at senior level, blanks Artem GOBAEV (UWW) 9-0 in the 61kg semifinals. After leading 3-0, Suda with a huge suplex for four and two stepouts to win 9-2. He will take on Nachyn MONGUSH (UWW) in the final who beat Stilyan ILIEV (BUL) 7-1 in the other semifinal.  

14:40: Ali Hossein MOMENI (IRI) takes out Almaz SMANBEKOV (KGZ) 6-2 in the first semifinal of 57kg. Huge win for Momeni who will now take on Aiaal BELOLYUBSKII (TJK) who just became the first Tajik wrestler to reach a Ranking Series final after beating Sultan KURMANALIYEV (KAZ) 10-4.

14:10: Cherman VALIEV (ALB) sets up a 74kg semifinal against Yones EMAMI (IRI) after a 5-1 win over Orozobek TOKTOMAMBETOV (KGZ). Valiev was down 1-1 on criteria but he gets on Toktomambetov's leg and blocks a chest wrap for two points. A gut wrench gives him two more as he settles for a 5-1 win.

14:00: Rahman AMOUZAD (IRI) continues to be solid his underhook game and U23 world silver medalist Kaiji OGINO (JPN) found no way to break that grip. Amouzad posts a 4-0 win and marches into the semifinals at 65kg.

13:53: Taiyrbek ZHUMASHBEK UULU (KGZ) with a front headlock exposure over Bilol SHARIP UULU (KGZ) with two seconds remaining in the 65kg quarterfinal to win 3-2. Sharip Uulu challenges but the move was in time. One more point for Zhumashbek Uulu to make it 4-2 

13:45: Vazgen TEVANYAN (ARM) will be upset with himself for not attacking from the word go but he manages to survive a huge upset against Vasile DAICON (MDA). Daicon was leading 2-0 when Tevanyan made desperate attempts to score. He gets a stepout and Daicon a fleeing caution to give Tevanyan a 2-2 criteria lead. Daicon challenges the call but the original fleeing decision is confirmed. A lost challenge added to Tevanyan's score who wins 3-2

13:40: Yoshinosuke AOYAGI (JPN) blanks William LEWAN (USA) 11-0 at 70kg. The Asian silver medalist is likely to go all the way and has looked in stunning form this tournament. James GREEN (USA) waits next in the semifinals.

13:25: Nachyn MONGUSH (UWW) looks very good at 61kg. He rolls to an 11-0 win over Daviti ABDALADZE (GEO). Arten GOBAEV (UWW) wins his bout as well and a Mongush vs Gobaev final looks inevitable at 61kg.

13:05: Chermen VALIEV (ALB) was with unreal speed in his attacks as Narek HARUTYUNYAN (ARM) fails to stop him and Valiev wins 9-0 in his first bout at 74kg. Valiev retuning to the mat since his bronze medal in Paris.

12:50: Big upset on Mat A as Bilol SHARIP UULU (KGZ) beats U23 world champion Ibragim IBRAGIMOV (UWW) 14-4 at 65kg. Ibragimov was leading 4-2 but Sharip Uulu with a traparm gut-wrench and 12 straight points to claim victory.

12:40: Islam DUDAEV (ALB) faces a tough one in Kaisei TANABE (JPN). Dudaev with a cut-back using his hands but it is scored two points each with Dudaev leading on criteria. Tanabe with a takedown and gut wrench to make it 8-2. Dudaev scores to cut the lead to 8-4 at the break. Dudaev continues his comeback with another takedown and is now down 8-6 with 45 seconds remaining. Tanabe throws himself on the mat once Dudaev gets to his leg and Dudaev scores a takedown to lead 8-8 on criteria. Dudaev on the legs, Tanabe sitting in the final few seconds and Tanabe scores exposure to win 10-8 just within time.

12:30: Rahman AMOUZAD (IRI) with a underhook masterclass in his bout against Goderdzi DZEBISASHVILI (GEO). He scores two stepouts and then gets an activity point. A stunning takedown to lead 5-0 at the break. He adds two more takedowns in the second period, and a throw for four to win 13-0 with around two minutes remaining.

12:20: Nachyn KUULAR (KAZ), a former U23 world champion, is turning up for Kazakhstan at 70kg. This is his first UWW event in six years. He takes on Vasile DAICON (MDA) in the 1/8 final. Kuular put on activity clock and Daicon leads 1-0 at the break. Daicon with a single leg attack and converts it into a takedown for a 3-0 lead. He adds another takedown with a minute remaining to lead 5-0. Leg lace on Kuular and Daicon wins 11-0. Kuular's comeback ends in unfortunate way.

12:00: Vazgen TEVANYAN (ARM) got two activity points and a takedown as he beats Mihail GEORGIEV (BUL) 4-0 at 70kg. He is wrestling a weight class up than his preferred 65kg.

 

11:45: Artem GOBAEV (UWW) has no trouble seeing off Meirambek KARTBAY (KAZ) at 61kg. In the next UWW vs KAZ bout at 61kg, Nachyn MONGUSH (UWW) with two takedowns in his 4-0 win over Mukhamed BALGABAY (KAZ).

11:25: Ali Hossein MOMENI (IRI) and Hadi REZAEI (IRI) were clubbed together in the opening round of 57kg and Momeni comes out unscathed 6-1. Rezaei with a desperate headlock throw in the final seconds but is awarded only two. He challenges for a four but loses the challenge. Momeni's win revised to 7-3

11:20: Asian champion Kento YUMIYA (JPN) was stuck in a leg lace and fell behind 14-6 against Manvel KHNDZRTSYAN (ARM) at 57kg. But he unleashes a leg lace on Khndzrtsyan and cuts to score to 14-10. A stepout to make it 14-11. Underhook dense till the end of the time by Khndzrtsyan and he wins 14-11.

11:10: At 74kg, Tajmuraz SALKAZANOV (SVK) with a 2-1 win over Murad KURAMAGOMEDOV (HUN). All three points scored were activity points!

11:00: Paris Olympic bronze medalist Islam DUDAEV (ALB) up against Klevisi PRECI (ALB) and he impresses with a 12-0 blanking of his compatriot. Dudaev looked on the mat with

10:40: A little warm up for Rahman AMOUZAD (IRI) but he manages to post a controlled 7-0 win over Nursultan SDYK (KAZ) at 65kg. Soon after, Adlan ASKAROV (KAZ) with a thrilling 8-7 win over Agustin DESTRIBATS (ARG).

10:30: Welcome to Tirana for the second Ranking Series of the year. Rahman AMOUZAD (IRI), the Olympic silver medalist from Paris, is up on the mat straightaway.