The duel between Matthias Aeschbacher and Werner Schlegel ended unexpectedly quickly. The experienced Emmentaler, who is having his best season, threw the St.Gallen youngster early and convincingly. Joel Wicki and Adrian Walther fought one of the most gripping duels in the swing. Walther, two meters tall and thus 17 centimeters taller than the opponent, brought the first crowned federal in Zug 2019 to the brink of defeat three times. But Wicki also had his good moments. Both received the higher grade for a placement, a 9.0, and rightly so.
The second favorite from central Switzerland, Pirmin Reichmuth, passed the endurance test in the first serious fight following his shoulder injury with flying colors. After regarding half a minute he had Bernese Confederate Remo Käser on his back. Armon Orlik, who did not have his best wreath festival season behind him, made short work of the south-western figurehead Lario Kramer with a massive flat throw.
The probably strongest north-western Swiss prevailed at the beginning: Nick Alpiger defeated Michael Wiget from Bern, who had returned from an injury, on the ground. Kilian Wenger, the king of wrestling, flattened Benjamin Gapany, the three-time winner of the season at cantonal festivals in southwestern Switzerland.
The ranking list following the 1st course can be found here. (pre/sda)