Junior Men's Freestyle Medal Match Play-By-Play

Junior Men's Freestyle Medal Match Play-By-Play

The complete play-by-play of every medal match in men's freestyle at Junior Worlds.

Aug 2, 2017 by Wrestling Nomad
Junior Men's Freestyle Medal Match Play-By-Play
Below are the complete live updates done for the medal matches in men's freestyle at Junior Worlds. Check out all the play-by-play of our boys in Tampere, Finland.

Day One

We are going to do live updates for the Junior World finals. Mark Hall will be going for his second straight Junior World title at 74kg, while another former Minnesota prep in Mitch McKee is in the 60kg finals. Kollin Moore is competing for bronze at 96kg.

As always, United World Wrestling started us off with some off the wall opening ceremony. There were dancing ladies and children walking in singlets holding up signs for each country represented at these championships. Pretty standard stuff.

Break for awards before we get into the 74kg medal matches. Mark Hall will be trying to become the third American in men's freestyle to win two junior world titles.

Team score is 29-28 in favor of Russia heading into the last three matches of Day one. If Kollin Moore wins his match, America gets two team points. If the Russian wins his gold medal match, he'll get an additional one. So theoretically, America and Russia could end day one tied at 30.

96kg Gold: Givi Matcharashvili (GEO) vs Shamil Ali Musaev (RUS)

1st period: Final match of the day. American fans should root for Georgia. Musaev is red, Matcharashvili is blue. Both have teched their way to the finals. Passive against GEO. Musaev gets in trouble but just scrambles out in time. Matcharashvili on the clock and Musaev is up 1-0. Passive now against Musaev. He takes the hint and and gets a takedown right near the end of the period.

2nd period: Musaev kicks out and keeps Matcharashvili on his toes. Finally found the angle and takes a 5-0 lead. Musaev is on the clock somehow but gets a takedown right away to make it 7-0. And Matcharashvili makes it 7-2 but there's only nine seconds. Russia wins gold and ties USA for the day one lead at 30.

96kg Bronze: Kollin Moore (USA) vs Ilja Matuhin (GER)

1st period: Last chance for Team USA to earn some hardware and pick up team points. The Buckeye is trying to match his NCAA bronze with a Junior world bronze in his second try on the world stage. Ref pointed at Matuhin, but Moore in on an elbow post, chases the ankle and finishes. Out of bounds and a 2-0 lead. Beautiful low single boot scoot by Moore for a 4-0 lead. Moore's pace is too much and forces a stepout, halfway to a tech. Shot stalemated but Moore staying on the offensive. Still 5-0 at the break.

2nd period: Moore disappeared on him, and goes right into a gut! Great level change and he wants this tech. He won't stop shooting as Matuhin stays on his heels. Cros body outside trip to a takedown on the edge. American takes the lead over Russia.


96kg Bronze: Ibrahim Ciftci (TUR) vs Sargis Hovsepyan (ARM)

1st period: One match before Kollin Moore closes out the day for the Americans. Ciftci drives through a double just over a minute in. Into the last minute of the first and Ciftci still up 2-0. The Armenian is having some trouble hand fighting and clearing Turkey's ties. Ciftci in once again but Hovsepyan is feeding him hips, now tries a chest wrap but no points before the break.

2nd period: Ciftci somehow on the clock, but forces a stepout and makes it 5-0 halfway through this period. Final minute here, Hovsepyan's shot gets stalemated. Turkey trying to close it out with one final takedown, and he does. 7-0 and a bronze.


74kg Gold: Mark Hall (USA) vs Isa Shapiev (UZB)

1st period: Casey Cunningham and Cael Sanderson in his corner. Marky rocking a mohawk and his signature headphones. Mark is not intimidated by the flames on the UZB singlet, fights off a go behind early. Mark Hall GETS THE FALL! Classic Marky Mixer and he is the third men's freestyler, and fifth overall, to win two junior world titles for America. What a day for America. Marky drapes the American flag around and takes the victory lap for the third time in his career now. Time for Mitch McKee to get his silver. Great performance by the Americans so far.


74kg Bronze: Veer Dev Gulia (IND) vs Yajuro Yamasaki (JPN)

1st period: Yamasaki with a takedown but no turn. Yamasaki in on a shot and forces the stepout. Looked down for a sec and Gulia is on top of Yamasaki, 3-2 at the break.

2nd period: Another stepout for Yamasaki in the first minute. In on Gulia's left leg, can't finish for 2 but drives him out for a 5-2 lead. Scramble leads to four for Gulia on a 2+2, but the ref does not like the hard cross face and brings them up to their feet. Final 16 seconds with Gulia leading 6-5. An inside trip and throw attempt is for naught and Gulia completes the comeback to give India a bronze.

74kg Bronze: Muhammet Kucukyildirim (TUR) vs Mohammad Mottaghinia (IRI)

1st period: A battle of two guys Mark Hall beat on his way to the finals. Slow in going in the first minute of this one, but the Turk has a nice set of tape on what may be a broken nose. Kucukyildirim is on the clock. Mottaghinia waits for the clock to end, shoots and gets the takedown. Tries to bring the lace up before going over and he's looking to end it. That'll do it, 11-0 Iran.


60kg Gold: Mitch McKee (USA) vs Abdula Akhmedov (RUS)

1st period: Big one here for the team race. Akhmedov right in, and not a shot McKee can head pinch from. Lace to a gut switch fought off well by the Gopher freshman. McKee's underhook turns into a Russian fireman's and holds him down. Akhmedov gets the pin and Russia picks up a team point.


60kg Bronze: Yones Aliakbar Emamichoghaei (IRI) vs Eriglent Prizreni (ALB)

1st period: The Iranian starts off with a takedown in the first minute after Prizreni tried an extended head pinch. Another takedown for Emami and he looks in control as we head to the last minute of the first period. Typical Iranian underhook stuff, controlling the center of the mat and moving ALB around. One last takedown and Emami is cruising to a tech, 6-0 at the break.

2nd period: Emami chases him down and finishes of the tech with a gut wrench. Another medal for Iran at a weight they have dominated over the past five years.

60kg Bronze: Ravinder Ravinder (IND) vs Hiromu Sakaki (Japan)

1st period: Attention right away on Ravinder for grabbing fingers. Sakaki into a front head position but it is stalemated 47 seconds in. Nice drive through double to the mat for Sakaki and a 2-0 lead. Sakaki again attacking legs but can't finish, until one final effort gives him a 4-0 lead. Blood time for Sakaki. Good shot defense by Ravinder but ends up stepping out as he jumped too high on a sprawl. 5-0 at the break.

2nd period: Raavinder is right in on a shot, but a roll through for Sakaki gives him a 7-0 lead. Reversal for Ravinder and a gut makes it 7-3 now, back in the match. We have a challenge now from Sakaki's corner. 7-4 and Ravinder is back in this thing. Ravinder tries to tight rope walk but is pushed out. Sakaki looks hurt after shooting Ravinder out to make it 9-4. Stalemate with one minute left, still 9-4. Late takedown is not enough and Sakaki wins bronze.


50kg Bronze: Aslan Minkailov (RUS) vs Akbar Kenzhebek Uulu (KGZ)

1st period: We've got a 4-2 match here two minutes in. Nice shuck into a bodylock for KGZ and he takes the lead 4-4 on criteria heading into the break. Some strong towel work from the Kyrgyzstani corner.

2nd period: Kenzhebek taking ground early and an attention on the Russian thirty seconds in. Low single from Minkailov, and he drives KGZ out of bounds as he tries for a crackdown. They trade two and two on a roll through takedown for KGZ, and are back up on their feet. Front head position for KGZ but Minkailov tries to work a go behind. Stalemated in a rubber knee with 1:20 to go. We've got a challenge cube from the red corner, and by cube I mean pool noodle. Score is now 9-6 in favor of Minkailov. Kenzhebek works a Merkel position into a takedown in the final minute and tries a standing leg lace! He finally gets it back down on the ground and takes the lead. Action packed second period continues with a pushout for Minkailov, now leading on criteria in the final 30 seconds. A wild scramble turns into a flurry for Kenzhebek who sticks him! What a wild ending.

50kg Bronze: Rakhat Kalzhan (KAZ) vs Nasanbuyan Narmandakh (MGL)

1st period: Kalzhan is who knocked Malik Heinselman out of the tournament. Passive against blue, which is Kalzhan (KAZ). Two on one for Kalzhan fought off by MGL. Kalzhan is now on the clock. Narmandakh takes a 1-0 lead on the shot clock point. Both are staying cautious here in the late stages of the first period. Narmandakh gets hit for passivity.

2nd period: Looking for Narmandakh to go on the clock early if there's no scoring in about a minute. As I type that he drives through a takedown to go up 3-0. Kalzhan continues to try that Russian 2-on-1 tie but it gets fought off. Righty single for Kalzhan, has it shelfed but Narmandakh fights into a quadpof on the edge. Ref says takedown, and the chair or judge agrees. What a kickout for KAZ! And now fights off a drag go behind. Great defense for about 20 seconds but MGL finally finishes it in the zone to take a 5-2 lead. Narmandakh continues to take ground and keep Kalzhan on his heels to hold onto his lead. Big throw attempt by Kalzhan! Two is thrown up by either judge or chair, but the pool noodle challenge is thrown. Two is the call on the mat right now. The score keeps changing between 4 and 6 for Kalzhan. Ultimately, they give him nothing and Narmandakh wins bronze 6-2.

50kg Gold: Shahin Mukhtarov (AZE) vs Karen Zurabyan (ARM)

1st period: Not a whole lot going on in the first 90 seconds of this one. Mukhtarov is on the clock and Zurabyan is up 1-0. Mukhtarov on the go behind and a late takedown into a gut gives him a 4-1 lead. Extended time here at the break.

2nd period: Zurabyan trying to work a bundle, now an over under. The Armenian continues to push forward, but pays for it on a butt drag that forces him out of bounds. Mukhtarov up 5-1 with two minutes left. Zurabyan with a pushout. Another stepout for Mukhtarov, starting to blow open the match now. These two are battling in the upper body ties and continue trading stepouts, 6-3 now with a minute left. Not a leg attack in sight for these two. Zurabyan tries a late head pinch but Mukhtarov is your junior world champ at 50kg.

Day Two


Daton Fix gets the tech over 2015 Junior Euro champ Ismail Gadzhiev in his 55kg final. One win away from a team title, and Daton finally gets his world title. Ryan Deakin loses 2016 Junior Euro champ David Baev at 66kg and ends with silver. Zahid Valencia loses to Artur Naifonov. Gable Steveson did it. He won his third world title and sealed the deal for Team USA, winning their first team title since 1984.

120kg GOLD: Gable Steveson (USA) vs Naeiim Rahim Hassanzadeh (IRI)

1st period - This is it. Russia leads on the criteria of having the most champs. If Gable wins, he gets his third age level world title and America brings home the big trophy as team champs. The champ always comes out last, Gable in blue. Gable feeling him out early. The youngest guy on the team has the world on his back and forces an early step out. BEAUTIFUL shot and dropped to the mat, Steveson up 3-0 now. His older brother and future Gopher teammate Bobby in his corner. Sticking with the lefty collar tie, moving his feet well. Last minute of the period now, working a snap. Iranian square in the center, Gable still battling in the ties. Period ends up 3-0

2nd period - Last period of the day. Last period of men's freestyle. Whistle and pointing at a coach. Steveson driving him to the edge, but keeps his composure. Iranian foot stuck in the zone. Two takedown and 5-0 now. Last two minutes, Gable non stop working ties. Iranian pushing toward the edge, Gable gives up the stepout. Last 90 seconds and that lefty collar tie is still working. Passive confirmed against Gable at 4:52. Gable works back toward the center, hanging on his ties. Matadors his way back in. THAT DOES IT! Gable's third world title seals it. America won the team title.


120kg Bronze: Erdenetulg Davaadorj (MGL) vs Feyzullah Akturk (TUR)

1st period - The Mongolian looks considerably larger. Davaadorj going on the clock now. Akturk leads after the shot clock point. That's how the period will end. MGL having trouble staying on his feet under Akturk's snaps.

2nd period - MGL back on the clock again. Akturk gets the takedown for a 3-0 lead, two minutes left. Stepout, but ruled straight arm push. Last minute and it doesn't appear MGL will be able to mount an attack. Akturk wins bronze for Turkey.

120kg Bronze: Zaur Kozonov (RUS) vs Zuriko Urtashvili (GEO)

1st period - USA wins the team title if Russia loses. These are the guys Gable beat on his way to the finals. GEO looks smaller, the Russian is at least half a foot taller. Georgia is on the clock now. Russia leads 1-0 with a minute to go. Urtashvili gets the stepout, then Kozonov gets a caution and two after pushing GEO out of bounds. Period ends with the Russian leading 3-1. American fans need the Georgian to mount a comeback against Sandor Clegane here.

2nd period - Georgian holding center, and Russia gets called for passive, putting him on the clock. A stepout for Kozonov extends his lead to 4-1. 90 seconds to go, passive called against RUS. 4-2 now, Georgia needs a takedown. 33 seconds left, Georgia has to mount an offensive. The team score will be tied heading into Gable Steveson's final.

84kg GOLD: Zahid Valencia (USA) vs Artur Naifonov (RUS)

1st period - USA leads 67-64 right now in the team race. Zahd in red, Naifonov in blue. Chris Pendleton in Zahid's corner. Valencia continuing his strong righty collar ties. Lots of movement early on, Naifonov gets to rear standing and Zahid fights it off like a folkstyle stand up! But they go caution and two. A minute in, still no shots and there's Zahid's swing single! Brings it up, takes him to the edge. 2-1 now. Naifonov chaasing the leg, gets it shelfed. Zahid fighting but down to the mat and trails 4-1. Valencia nearly steps over and fights off the gut, 30 seconds left. Zahid running around behind, body lock for 4!! Zahid leads 5-4 at the break.

2nd period - Righty collar tie immediately, and shot but Naifonov runs. Lots of movement still, both guys on their knees. Valencia trying to take some ground, but the Russian pushes back. Underhook limp armed, Zahid fights it. Zahid chasing on the edge and Naifonov hits a go behind to trail 6-5. 90 seconds left, shot and body lock again, but RUS fights it off on the edge. Call is a stepout, Zahid needs a takedown to lead 7-7 on criteria. Underhook on his knees, Zahid trying to fight off and circle back in. Shot by Zahid, comes out from under, head down and stalemate. Zahid takes about 15 shots but can't finish and loses 7-6. Russia pulls within two now.

84kg Bronze: Ahmad Yousef Bazrighaleh (IRI) vs Osman Gocen (TUR)

1st period - Gocen with the feet to back forward roll for 4. Looked liked he had a merkel of sorts on Bazrighaleh. Had his arms locked up in any event. Bazrigahaeh now fights through a whizzer of Gocen and methodically gets a go behind for 2. 4-2 in favor of Turkey after 2 minutes. Until the Iranian gets another go behind to tie the score, Gocen with criteria though. But not for long. Another two for Bazrighaleh makes its 6-4, Iran in the lead for the first time. And thats how the first period will end.

2nd period - Low single on the right leg by Gocen. Bazrighaleh tries to grab the ankle, but Gocen changes directions and finishes to take the lead on criteria. The Iranian gets a reversal and tries a gut. Back up to their feet. IRI counters for two and a 9-6 lead, now working a lace for a 13-6 lead. Gocen keeps shooting, an Bazri keeps working go behind. Back into a crakback and it goes 14-8 now after an exposure by Gocen. Bazri closes out an 18-8 tech to give Iran the bronze.

84kg Bronze: Deepak Punia (IND) vs Gadzhimurad Magomedsaidov (AZE)

1st period - Small break for the 55kg awards now. Last year's Cadet world champ Punia in blue. The Azeri finishes a low single and is now working a lace. First minute gone, Punia trying to control center with a collar tie. Magomedsaidov goes low single into a lace with two turns and leads 8-0. Punia shoots immediately, but is countered and gets teched.

66kg GOLD: Ryan Deakin (USA) vs David Baev (RUS)

1st period - Baev in blue, Deakin in red. There is a large Ossetian flag in the background. Shot by Deakin fought off, Baev gets in rear standing and finishes on the edge for a 2-0 lead. Deakin working short offense now and its blown dead, 38 seconds in. Single by Baev and he finishes it. Shot of coach Andrew Howe, Deakin's coach at Northwestern. WOW, fought off well by Deakin, heavy hips. Baev chases him down, goes front side lace for an 8-0 lead and another to finish it off. Deakin ends with silver.

66kg Bronze: Amirhossein Ali Hosseini (IRI) vs Temuulen Enkhtuya (MGL)

1st period - These are the guys Deakin beat. Hosseini draws blood first, 2-0 lead. MGL ties it up as we enter the final minute. Late shot fought off and Enktuya leads on criteria at the break.

2nd period - Hosseini in on a shot, extended finish for a 4-2 lead. Lots of respect being shown by these two, not a great deal of leg attacking going on. Enkhtuya feeds Hosseini hips and counters his shot for a 4-4 lead on criteria. The Mongolian is overcome with emotion after finishing off a 6-4 win to earn a junior world medal for his country.

66kg Bronze: Gevorg Mkheyan (ARM) vs Iveriko Julakidze (GEO)

1st period - Mkheyan in on a shot, Julakdize trying to go over the top. Trapped in a switch like position and Julakdize comes out on top. Great movement by the Junior Euro bronze. Turns out, they gave two to ARM, Juladkidze gets the reversal. Solid singlet grab by Mkheyan on the hi c. Hip tip attempt but no points, and Julakidze runs through him for the lead. Mkheyan kicks out to start a great scramble. Not sure how it ended, but ARM is leading 4-4 on criteria.

2nd period - Another forever switch position, now each chasing ankles. Stalemated 46 seconds in. Reverse lock for Mkheyan fighting a shot, and stalemated once again. Limp arm finish by Julakidze, who tries a crotch lock. 45 seconds to go and another stalemate. Mkheyan chasing him now with 20 seconds to go. Julakidze closes it out and gets the victory lap with the Georgian flag.

55kg GOLD: Daton Fix (USA) vs Ismail Gadzhiev (RUS)

1st period - Daton comes out in blue, Gadzhiev in red. Hard to tell whose beard is better though. Fix's future coach at Okie State Zack Esposito in his corner. Daton hits his signature roll and jump. Immediate go behind for Fix, gets a lot of time on top but can't get his trap arm. Gazhie works Daton over to the edge and gets a stepout, 2-1 now. Lefty single fought off by Daton, halfway through the first. Boot scoot for two and after not opening yet again in par terre, the ref offers caution and two. White paddled but Daton leads 4-1. The Russian refuses to let go of the wrist after a trap arm gives Fix a 6-1 lead. Period ends with the same score.

2nd period - Daton level changing early and a quick stoppage. Gadzhiev again trying to work Fix to the edge, but he disappears under him and Daton gets two. Again no trap arm as the Russian continues to hold Daton's hand. Single leg on the edge and Daton leads 10-1! DATON FIX IS A WORLD CHAMP! Hopefully the first of four today. America is one win away from a team title.

55kg Bronze: Ramzan Awtaew (GER) vs Arsen Harutyunyan (ARM)

1st period - The Armenian starting us off with a takedown but can't quite get a turn with his lace. Harutyunyan extends his lead to 4-0 with 40 seconds left in the first period.

2nd period - Back to action in the second. Harutyunyan still up 4-0, he is the same guy who defeated Roman Bravo-Young at last year's Cadet world championships. Stalemate from short offense. ARM is controlling the match on his feet and looks anxious to finish off the match with his lace. Stepout and we are in the last 45 seconds here. Harutyunyan gets to a quadpod and finishes for a 9-0 lead, should seal the deal.

55kg Bronze: Nader Amir Nasrisamakoush (IRI) vs Afgan Khashalov (AZE)

1st period - This is the half of the bracket beaten by Daton Fix, Khashalov is the defending world champ at this weight. First passive goes against Iran. We've got a challenge already. They went out of bounds in a seatbelt whizzer position, two for Iran is the call on the mat. Call stands, 3-0 now Nasiri. Nasiri on the clock in the final minute of the period. Period ends 3-1 after the shot clock point.

2nd peiod - Go behind for Khashalov, taking the lead on criteria. Back to their feet now. Big lift for Nasiri on a head outside single, finishes to the mat and a BIG gut wrench to make it 7-3. Reversal for Khashalov. Good counter by Khashalov to pull within one, under a minute to go. Nasiri changes his shot, head behind the knee, killing clock. Final 10 seconds we have a crotch lock and Khashalov takes the lead! Goofy scramble and I think AZE takes this one.

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