Jake Fisher (in blue) defeated Justin Lester in the U.S. Open semifinals on Thursday. David Peterson photo.

LAS VEGAS – Three past U.S. World Team members and an Olympian advanced to the finals as the three-day U.S. Open kicked off on Thursday at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Past World Team member Jake Fisher knocked off two-time World bronze medalist and 2012 Olympian Justin Lester 1-0, 1-1, 1-0 in the Greco-Roman semifinals at 74 kg/163 lbs.

Fisher held his ground from the bottom position as Lester was unable to turn him in the first and third periods. Lester was wrestling up a weight class.

Fisher advances to face 2012 Olympian Ben Provisor in the finals. Provisor beat Fisher in the 2011 U.S. Open finals. Fisher won this event in 2010.

The finals are set for 7 p.m. Thursday in Las Vegas.

U.S. National Team member Jordan Holm landed a spot in the finals at 84 kg/185 lbs. Holm, who won this event in 2011, will face Zach Nielsen in the finals.

Past World Team members Deanna Betterman and Jessica Medina advanced to the finals in women’s freestyle.

Betterman, who has twice finished fifth in the World, will face Alli Ragan in the finals at 59 kg/130 lbs. Betterman, the former Deanna Rix, won this event in 2011.

Medina will battle Haley Augello in the finals at 51 kg/112.25 lbs. Medina won the U.S. Open in 2008 and 2010.

The U.S. Open championship tournament in freestyle is scheduled for Friday and Saturday in Las Vegas.

FINALS MATCHUPS

Women’s freestyle

51 kg/112.25 lbs.
Jessica Medina (Sunkist Kids) vs. Haley Augello (New York AC)

59 kg/130 lbs.
Alli Ragan (New York AC) vs. Deanna Betterman (Sunkist Kids)

67 kg/147.5 lbs.
Veronica Carlson (New York AC) vs. Tamyra Mensah (Wayland)

Greco-Roman

74 kg/163 lbs.
Jake Fisher (Minnesota Storm) vs. Ben Provisor (New York AC)

84 kg/185 lbs.
Jordan Holm (Minnesota Storm) vs. Zach Nielsen (Minnesota Storm)