Iran defeats Turkey, 23-8, to win its first match of the World Cup

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Heather Van Peursem (USA Wrestling)
05/05/2001


Iran won six of the eight bouts to claim its first victory in the 2001 World Cup.    Two-time world silver medalist Golam Reza Mohammadi of Iran won by a technicall fall at 119 pounds over Vedat Oztemur of Turkey, 10-0. At 127.75 pounds, Masoud Mostafa Gokar decisioned Arif Kama, 4-0.    Iran won their third straight bout when 2000 Olympic champion Ali Reza Dabier scored a technical fall over Omer Cubicki, 10-0. Turkey put team points on the board at 152 pounds when Ahmet Gulhan decisioned Mehdi Baraati, 3-0.    At 167.5 pounds, Mehdi Akbarnejad of Iran decisioned Gokhan Yavaser of Turkey, 7-4 and at 187.25 pounds, Ahmad Shekofteh of Iran scored a close 3-2 overtime decision over Nuri Zengin.    1998 World Champion Ali Reza Heidari of Iran pinned Vedat ergin at 4:55 to put more points on the board for Iran.    In the final bout, Aydin Polatci of Turkey decisioned Yasser Nourzaee of Iran, 4-2.