GUTCHES PREPARES FOR GOLD MEDAL FINALS AT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 
   A year ago, Les Gutches (Corvallis, Ore./Sunkist Kids) -placed seventh in the Olympic Games in Atlanta, Ga. Now, in far away Siberia, Gutches is getting prepared for the most important match of his life. He has qualified for the gold-medal finals at 187.25 pounds at the World Freestyle Wrestling Championships in Krasnoyarsk, Russia, which will be held Sunday evening. 
   In the semifinals, Gutches scored an impressive 3-2 win over 1996 Olympic champion Magomed Magomedov of Russia in overtime, at 6:42. Gutches scored a low single leg takedown on Magomedov in overtime and was awarded the match. Although the Russians protested the bout, Gutches has qualified for the finals. 
   Gutches first match of the day was a 8-0 win over Plamen Paskalev of Bulgaria. 
   "The first match was good," said Gutches. "I did all right. I was looking forward to the match with the Russian. I needed the match against the Bulgarian to get going. I'm glad I didn't get the Russian right off the bat." 
   Gutches had the challenge of beating a Russian star in his home arena.There was a controversial move late in the match when Magomedov was awarded two points, but one of the officials indicated four points. 
   "In the beginning, I felt great. In fact, I felt great the entire match, except for that one position. I was greedy. I wanted to end the match. I felt he scored only two. I was a little worried when (Coach) Bruce (Burnett) wasn't sure. I was mad that I got into that situation.," said Gutches. 
   "Except for that, I was a good match. I knew it wouldn't be smart if I left it close. I knew I had to score some points. In overtime, I felt I wasn't as tired as he was. The second that I scored, I was happy, but I also knew that they would protest the match. I wasn't relieved until the protest was turned down."    
  "It was sure nice beating the Russian in Russia, who happens to be the defending Olympic Champion. He was the guy that I was preparing for. I knew he would be the toughest one. Let's see if it ends up that way." 
   Gutches will face Eldar Asanov of Ukraine in the gold-medal finals. They have never met before. 
   "I have another match to go," said Gutches. "I came here to be the World Champion. I didn't spend all this time in Germany and Russia not to perform my best," he said. 
   "My opponent looks good. I'll have to wrestle him well, and not make any mistakes."