The Yianni/Zain Arbitration Ruling Is In!
The Yianni/Zain Arbitration Ruling Is In!
Yianni Diakomihalis and Zain Retherford have received the binding arbitration with regards to their disputed second Final X match.

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Though the series took place at Final X: Rutgers on June 8th, neither Yianni Diakomihalis nor Zain Retherford knew the ultimate result of their controversial second match until today. It has now been revealed that Yianni was successful in his appeal, and a binding court of arbitration has nullified the result of match 2.
The arbitrator in the Yianni/Zain case nullified the second bout in the 65 kg Final X, due to untimely challenge at conclusion of bout. USA Wrestling to schedule completion of 65 kg. Details coming soon. Retherford enters the remainder of series with 1-0 lead.
— USA Wrestling (@USAWrestling) August 15, 2019
As the above tweet from USA Wrestling makes clear, at least one more match must be wrestled before Team USA's 65kg men's freestyle world team member can be named, however, pertinent details about that competition, such as where and when it will take place, are not yet known.
USA Wrestling provided additional details regarding the arbitrator's ruling. The decision to nullify the result of the Yianni and Zain's second match was because:
officials improperly allowed a challenge at the conclusion of the second bout
Complicating matters is a potential injury to Zain Retherford, the extent of which has also not been made public. In an extremely unfortunate coincidence, it was in a first-round match with Yianni at the Yasar Dogu tournament in Istanbul that Zain was injured. That was the very first match either wrestler participated in since Final X.
You can watch that fateful match below.

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Like the degree of Zain's injury, it is unknown how the circumstances will affect when the additional matches will be scheduled. We will update this story as it develops.
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