LAS VEGAS – Kellen Russell rolled to three straight victories during the U.S. Open freestyle qualifying tournament on Thursday at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The two-time NCAA champion outscored his three opponents by a 36-2 margin at 66 kg/145.5 lbs. Russell capped his day by sweeping 2012 NCAA All-American Dylan Alton 6-0, 6-0 in the quarterfinals.

Once Russell reached the semifinals, he clinched a spot in the freestyle championship tournament on Friday.

The top eight in each weight class on Thursday advance to the championship tournament on Friday. They will be drawn in to face the top eight seeds during the competition on Friday.

Wrestlers were finished on Thursday once they clinched a spot in Friday’s tournament by either making the semifinals or the consolation semifinals.

Past NCAA champion Mike Pucillo advanced to the championship tournament at 84 kg/185 lbs.

FREESTYLE QUALIFYING TOURNAMENT
Top 8

66 kg/145.5 lbs.
Josh Kindig (Auburn)
Kellen Russell (New York AC)
Michael Bailey (U.S. Army)
Kyle Borshoff (DCAC)
Dylan Alton (Nittany Lion WC)
Brett Robbins (Panther WC)
Kyle Ruschell (Badger WC)
Michael Mitchell (New York AC)

84 kg/185 lbs.
Jake Swartz (Bronco WC)
Enock Francois (West Point Wrestling)
Mike Pucillo (Titan Mercury WC)
Eric Lopez (Unattached)
Daniel Bedoy (Boiler Elite)
Kurt Brenner (Mountaineer WC)
Devin Hightower (Rocky Mountain Region)
Kevin Radford (Unattached)