BAKU, Azerbaijan - American T.C. Dantzler knocked off 2006 World champion Volodimir Shatskykh of Ukraine 3-1, 2-1 in the first round of the 2007 World Championships on Tuesday morning.

Dantzler, fifth in the World in 2006, now advances to the second round at 74 kg/163 lbs. in Greco-Roman wrestling.

American Brad Vering also won his first match Tuesday at 84 kg/185 lbs.