U.S. Claims Two Bronze Medals at the 2001 Veterans Greco-Roman World Championships

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Rusty Davidson ()
08/20/2001


U.S. CLAIMS TWO BRONZE MEDALS AT THE 2001 VETERANS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS IN GRECO-ROMAN, AUG. 12     Two American wrestlers claimed bronze medals at the Greco-Roman World Championships for Veterans in Budapest, Hungary, Aug. 9-12.            Sarkis Dermenjian of Los Angeles, California and Rusty Davidson, Grants, New Mexico (Dave Schultz WC) both placed third in the tournaments Division C for athletes 46-50 years old.  Dermenjian competed at 76kg while Davidson competed at 63kg.             Dermenjian, a club coach in North Hollywood, lost a close match in the first round of his pool to M. Hiller of Germany.  He came back to defeat I. Saliyev of Ukraine by a pin at 3:34 and then decisioned B. Grosz of Hungary, 4-2.      In the bronze medal match, Dermenjian defeated R. Valeev of Russia by technical superiority 11-0 at 2:40.  Hiller, of Germany, went on to claim the gold medal, defeating B. Zamanti of Iran.             Davidson decisioned S. Ferecak of Croatia 8-0 in the first round, then lost by a pin to N. Khairzamanov of Russia at 1:10.      Davidson lost a 5-3 decision to R. Tojareh ofIran.  Khairzamanov went on to win the gold medal.             Both American wrestlers were pleased with their performances. Deermenjian commented, "This Worlds Veteran Greco tournament has really grown," said Deermenjian. "The competition was very tough this year."  Dermenjian was the silver medalist last year at 76 kg in Division B for athletes 41-45 years old.             Davidson expressed similar thoughts.  "The medal was obviously very special for me," said Davidson.  "Standing on the podium, seeing my flag go up, was the ultimate honor".