GUANGZHOU, CHINA - The first three U.S. Greco-Roman wrestlers have weighed-in and received their draws for the opening day of the World Wrestling Championships.

The competition begins on Monday with Greco-Roman action at three weight classes: 55 kg/121 lbs., 60 kg/132 lbs. and 66 kg/132 lbs.

At 55 kg/121 lbs., Lindsey Durlacher (Colorado Springs, Colo./New York AC) will face Jiao Huafeng of host China in the opening match. Jiao, who turned 25 today, competed in the 2005 World Championships but did not place.

"I am ready to go. Training went very well. I am very confident I can bring back a medal. I have worked very hard. Anything less would be a letdown for me," said Durlacher.

Durlacher was a NCAA runner-up for the Univ. of Illinois, and is competing in his second straight World Championships.

At 60 kg/132 lbs., Joe Warren (Colorado Springs, Colo./New York AC) is set to face 2001 World Champion Dilshod Aripov of Uzbekistan in the opening round. Aripov was eighth in the World Championships last year.

"My goal is to win this thing. My preparation has been great. Physically and mentally, I am on the top of the world. Now I have to perform. I have to get it done," said Warren.

Warren was a NCAA All-American for the Univ. of Michigan, and is competing in his second straight World Championships. He was ninth in the World Championships last year.

At 66 kg/145.5 lbs., Harry Lester (Akron, Ohio/USOEC/Gator WC) will wrestle 2005 World silver medalist Kim Min Chul of Korea in his opening match

"My coaches and partners pushed me to get ready for the Worlds. I have to get pumping on all cylinders. I need to get a good warmup in and be ready to go when I step on the mat," said Lester.

Lester is a student at Northern Michigan Univ. and is a member of the U.S. Olympic Education Center Greco-Roman program. He attended Iowa State prior to going to Northern Michigan. Lester is competing in his second straight World Championships.

"This tournament is so tough and so unforgiving," said U.S Greco-Roman World Team Coach Andy Seras. "It doesn't matter who you draw. Whoever steps out on the mat, you have to beat them. I can say for sure, that these wrestlers are physically and mentally ready. It is now up to them. We will do what we can to help them."

For updated pairings and results from the World Championships, visit:
http://guangzhou.fila-wrestling.com