IWAMURE WINS MONGOLIAN OPEN, WATARI 2ND
ULAN BATAAR (May 11-12) – All-Japan quarterfinalist Anna Iwamure posted four wins in Ulan Baatar to win the Mongolian Open wrestling tournament, claiming her second international title since winning the Golden Grand Prix Final in Baku last September.
Iwamure defeated Japanese teammate Shiori Ito in the quarterfinals and stopped 2010 Asia bronze medalist Narangerel Erdenesukh (MGL), 2-0 (1-0, 7-2) for the title at 48kg. Ito defeated veteran Tsogtbazar Enkhjargal (MGL), 2-0 (1-0, 2-2) for a bronze medal.
Meanwhile, Rio Watari opened with a win by fall at 63kg but fell to Olympic bronze medalist Battsetseg Soronzonbold (MGL) in the final, also by fall, to settle for a silver medal.
In men's freestyle, Yasuhiro Morita lost by technical fall in the semifinals to Asia No. 3 Nomin Batbold (MGL), 0-2 (0-7, 0-6) but rebounded for a bronze medal with a 2-1 (2-4, 2-1, 5-2) in over Jamiyan Bayarkhuu (MGL).
Masahiro Tanida lost to Marian Todorov (BUL) in his opening bout at 120kg and was eliminated from competition when Todorov was beaten in the quarterfinals.
