Figured I'd start the conversation on the 2024 Senior Worlds which are going to be held on October 28-31, in Tirana, Albania.
It looks like Coach Taylor, the (presumptive) USA rep at 92kg, might get the dream matchup against Sadulaev, as he just won the 92kg spot for Russia in one match wrestle off, 10-7, against multiple time age group champion Alan Bagaev. Even though he won, Sadulaev did not seem to performing at a level any where near what we've seen from him in the past. 6 of the 10 points were from counter-offense off of Bagaev's action, and while it was good wrestling on Sadulaev's part, the counters were very ripe for the picking. He did get a bit of offense of his own in the second with a takedown off of a duck and subsequent exposure from a gut, but it was very poorly defended by Bagaev, and even so, Bagaev almost counter for his own points. Overall it was a surprisingly unimpressive match for a Russian World Championship qualifier... If Saduleav doesn't revert to his old form, 92kg looks like it might just be a two horse race between DT and Gasempour (Iran).
Another program related note: Khayitov is going to be the 79kg rep for Uzbekistan, so hoping for Silver for him!
It looks like Coach Taylor, the (presumptive) USA rep at 92kg, might get the dream matchup against Sadulaev, as he just won the 92kg spot for Russia in one match wrestle off, 10-7, against multiple time age group champion Alan Bagaev. Even though he won, Sadulaev did not seem to performing at a level any where near what we've seen from him in the past. 6 of the 10 points were from counter-offense off of Bagaev's action, and while it was good wrestling on Sadulaev's part, the counters were very ripe for the picking. He did get a bit of offense of his own in the second with a takedown off of a duck and subsequent exposure from a gut, but it was very poorly defended by Bagaev, and even so, Bagaev almost counter for his own points. Overall it was a surprisingly unimpressive match for a Russian World Championship qualifier... If Saduleav doesn't revert to his old form, 92kg looks like it might just be a two horse race between DT and Gasempour (Iran).
Another program related note: Khayitov is going to be the 79kg rep for Uzbekistan, so hoping for Silver for him!
