Session One Match Notes
79 kg R32 – Jordan Burroughs (United States) dec. Zelimkhan Khadjiev (France), 4-0
Burroughs opened the match aggressively but found himself caught in a chest lock by Khadjiev, resulting in no points during this exchange. As the match progressed, Khadjiev was put on the shot clock at the 4:25 mark of the first period. When the shot clock expired, Burroughs gained the first point, taking an early 1-0 lead. Demonstrating his extraordinary wrestling prowess, Burroughs executed his signature double leg takedown, which initially scored four points but was later successfully challenged by France, reducing the count to two points. This brought the score to 3-0 in favor of Burroughs as they headed into the break. Khadjiev called for blood time at the 2:39 mark, allowing him a brief respite. Burroughs showcased his keen edge control, gaining a step-out point with 1:54 remaining, extending his lead to 4-0. A thrilling back-and-forth contest ensued on the edge of the mat, but Burroughs ultimately sealed the victory with a final score of 4-0.
70 kg R32 – James Green (United States) dec. Peiman Biabani (Canada), 5-2
Biabani found himself put on the shot clock at the 4:32 mark of the first period. When the shot clock expired, Green capitalized on the situation to secure a 1-0 lead. The first period proved uneventful, concluding with Green holding the narrow advantage. In the second period, Biabani faced the shot clock again just 56 seconds in, and as time ran out, Green extended his lead to 2-0. Biabani, showing determination, finally executed a low-level single leg, his first successful shot of the match, converting it and momentarily taking a 2-2 criteria lead with just 50 seconds remaining. In the dying moments, Green skillfully drove through an underhook, pushing Biabani out of bounds and regaining the lead at 4-2. After a nail-biting last few seconds, Green’s attempt at a step out was ruled grounded, leading Canada’s corner to challenge the call. Losing the challenge, Green solidified his victory with a final score of 5-2.
92 kg R32 – Abdulrashid Sadulaev (Individual Neutral Athlete) dec. David Taylor (United States), 7-0
Taylor initiated the match with a deep entry on a head inside single leg, but Sadulaev displayed remarkable defensive skills, countering effectively to neutralize the scoring opportunity. He then utilized a snap-down technique, transitioning into a front headlock before executing his first takedown, which set the tone for the match with a score of 2-0 in his favor. The action resumed with Sadulaev again utilizing the snap-down, producing another go-behind takedown and extending his lead to 4-0 with just 46 seconds remaining in the first period. Taylor, seeking to turn the tide, shot for a right-side single leg, but Sadulaev expertly maneuvered for yet another go-behind. In this exchange, he scored a step-out point, widening his margin to 5-0. Taylor attempted a left-side high-c but was countered once more, allowing Sadulaev to clinch another set of points. The match concluded with Sadulaev dominating the scoreline at 7-0.
65 kg Repechage – Macey Kilty (United States) tech. fall Elis Manolova (Azerbaijan), 12-2
Kilty executed a brilliant low-level attack to defend against Manolova’s head outside finish attempt. Cutting the corner expertly, Kilty was able to leverage a crotch lift, garnering two points for both competitors before gaining the top position. This strategic advantage allowed her to secure a leg lace and execute four turns, significantly increasing her lead. Transitioning smoothly, Kilty applied an arm turk and claw for further exposure, putting her in a commanding position. Confusion arose regarding the official score, leading the U.S. team to challenge. After a thorough review of the replay, the jury confirmed Kilty’s dominant performance, awarding her the victory by technical fall at 12-2.
