BAKU (June 17) – The white crescent and eight-pointed star of the Azerbaijani flag was dancing about the Heydar Aliyev Arena Wednesday night as fans of freestyle wrestling anticipated the finals return of 2012 Olympic gold medalist Togrul ASGAROV.

Cameras flashed, fans spilled over railings and the crowd boomed in applause in the hopes that their national hero would finish a tournament that seemed ripe for the young wrestler’s career resurrection. 

Asgarov, who hasn’t stood atop the podium of a major tournament since his triumph at the London Games, started his day by beating established Russian Ilias BEKBULATOV (RUS), 9-8 in what was an instant Match-of-the-Year candidate.

“Before any fight I don't think about my previous matches and defeats,” said Asgarov. “I just go on the mat and put in all my effort.”

After breezing past his next two opponents Asgarov faced Italian Frank CHIMAZO in the finals, a wrestler of Cuban descent who had himself wowed spectators with unlikely escapes from danger positions and an exciting last-second semifinal victory.

But Chamizo couldn’t compete with Asgarov, his backing and his momentum. After an initial takedown to lead 2-0, Chamizo’s attempt to wiggle away from Asgarov with a cartwheel placed the Italian wrestler firmly on his back. Asgarov settled his weight into Chamizo’s chest and collected the gold medal fall.

“I am endlessly happy and proud. It is such a big occasion for my country, the European Games, and I become a winner in front of my home crowd and the President of Azerbaijan,” said Asgarov. “I am deeply grateful to all people who came to the arena to root for me.”

Though less triumphant in his story of renewal, second-ranked Khetag GAZYUMOV (AZE) beat No.7 Elizbar ODIKADZE (GEO), in the 97kg finals, 3-1 to give Azerbaijan their second title of the evening. After both giving up caution points in the first five minutes Gayzumov scored a high crotch takedown before holding off late attacks to win his title.

“I was nervous in front of my fans,” said Gazyumov. “It can be difficult to fight at home because there is more responsibility, but on the other hand the support helps.”

Gazyumov recorded the most important win of his season in the semifinals when he looked brilliant in beating No.1 Abdusalam GADISOV (RUS), 4-2. Gadisov had beat Gazyumov in the final of last year’s world championships.

The Russians did find gold on Wednesday night with No.5 Viktor LEBEDEV (RUS) besting Marcel EWALD (GER) in the 57kg final. Lebedev found little resistance from the over-matched Ewald, opening a 4-0 lead in the first period, and adding two pushout points from underhook attacks and a double leg to seal up the gold medal, 8-0. 

The weight was made interesting during the semifinals when No.8 Vladislav ANDREEV (BLR) and No.4 Vladimer  KHINCHEGASHVILI (GEO) were both disqualified for “brutality.” This promoted their quarterfinal opponents into their semifinal positions.

The Russians struck gold again, this time at 74kg when Aniuar GEDUEV (RUS) dismantled No.12 Soner DEMIRTAS (TUR) by technical fall, 10-0. The recent winner of the Russian national tournament, the two-time European champion found two takedowns and three gut wrenches within the first period to capture gold.

Wrestling at the European Games concludes tomorrow with men’s freestyle wrestling at 61kg, 70kg, 86kg and 125kg. Be sure to visit UnitedWorldWrestling.org throughout the day for results, photographs and updates.

Medal Results

57kg – Men’s Freestyle
GOLD: No.5 Viktor LEBEDEV (RUS) df. Marcel EWALD (GER), 8-0
BRONZE: Alexandru CHIRTOACA (MDA) df. Islam ISLAMAJ (ALB) by TF, 10-0- 
BRONZE:  No.12 Sezar AKGUL (TUR) df. Yashar ALIYEV (AZE) by FALL

Semifinals: Marcel EWALD (GER) df. Islam ISLAMAJ (ALB) by TF, 10-0 (Replacement for above semifinal)
Semifinals: No.5 Viktor LEBEDEV (RUS) df. Yashar ALIYEV (AZE)

65kg – Men’s Freestyle
GOLD: No.17 Togrul ASGAROV (AZE) df. No.10 Frank CHAMIZO (ITA) by FALL
BRONZE: No.9 Mustafa KAYA (TUR) df. George BUCUR (ROU) by TF, 10-0
BRONZE:  Ilias BEKBULATOV (RUS) df. No.7 Azamat NURIKOV (BLR), 6-0

Semifinals: No.10 Frank CHAMIZO (ITA) df. George BUCUR (ROU), 5-4
Semifinals: No.17 Togrul ASGAROV (AZE) df. No.7 Azamat NURIKOV (BLR), 7-2

74kg – Men’s Freestyle
GOLD: Aniuar GEDUEV (RUS) df. No.12 Soner DEMIRTAS (TUR) by TF, 10-0
BRONZE: No.11 Yabrail HASANOV (AZE) df. Kiril TERZIEV (BUL), 9-0
BRONZE: Jumber KVELASHVILI (GEO) df. Ali SHABANAU (BLR), 6-5

Semifinals: No.12 Soner DEMIRTAS (TUR) v. Kiril TERZIEV (BUL), 6-3
Semifinals: Aniuar GEDUEV (RUS) df. Jumber KVELASHVILI (GEO) by FALL

97kg – Men’s Freestyle
GOLD: No.2 Khetag GAZYUMOV (AZE) df. No.7 Elizbar ODIKADZE (GEO), 3-1
BRONZE: Valerii ANDRIITSEV (UKR) df. Jozef JALOVIAR (SVK) by TF, 10-0
BRONZE: No.1 Abdusalam GADISOV (RUS) df. No.14 Radoslaw BARAN (POL), 4-0

Semifinals: No.7 Elizbar ODIKADZE (GEO) df. Valerii ANDRIITSEV (UKR), 4-3
Semifinals: No.2 Khetag GAZYUMOV (AZE) df. No.1 Abdusalam GADISOV (RUS), 4-2