Rediff.com« Back to articlePrint this article

Bajrang continues golden run; Vinesh in final

August 10, 2019 19:42 IST

Vinesh Phogat reached her fourth final, outclassing local wrestler Yafremenka 11-0 in the 53kg semi-finals.

Bajrang Punia

IMAGE: Bajrang Punia prevailed 2-0 over Iran's Peiman Bibyani in the 65kg final of the men's free style competition. Photograph: SAI Media/Twitter

India's top two wrestlers continued their impressive run this season with Bajrang Punia defending his title at Tbilisi Grand Prix and Vinesh Phogat reaching her fourth final at Medved event.

 

Bajrang, who had won a gold at the same event last year as well, prevailed 2-0 over Iran's Peiman Bibyani in the 65kg final of the men's free style competition in the capital city of Georgia.

It is fourth gold of the season for Asian Games champion Bajrang after standing atop the podium at Dan Kolov, Asian Championship and Ali Aliev tournament.

At the Medved event in Minsk, Belarus, Vinesh outclassed local wrestler Yafremenka 11-0 in the 53kg semi-finals to be in line for her fourth consecutive gold.

Vinesh began with a left-leg attack but could not take advantage after getting a hold. The Indian got on board when Yafremenka lost a point for passivity.

In the second period, Vinesh again attacked her rival's left leg and added two more points with a takedown. She then stunned Yafremenka with a four-point throw which she initiated with a right leg attack.

It became 9-0 when Vinesh succeeded in exposing her rival. The bout ended on technical superiority in Vinesh's favour when the Indian made it 11-0 with another takedown.

Next for Vinesh is Russia's N Malisheva, who blanked local girl Pichkouskay 6-0.

The top Indian woman wrestler had bagged the top honours at Grand Prix of Spain Yasar Dogu International and Poland Open recently.

© Copyright 2024 PTI. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of PTI content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent.