Wong advances to SemiFinals at Yarygin Memorial in Russia; U.S. men also win bouts on first day
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Rusty Davidson ()
01/31/2003
Jenny Wong (Colorado Springs, Colo./Sunkist Kids) won three matches to qualify for the semifinals at 51 kg/112.25 pounds at the Yarygin Memorial Tournament in Krasnoyarsk, Russia. Wong was the only U.S. female wrestler to compete on the first day. Four other U.S. women begin action tomorrow. Wong beat three Russian opponents to win her pool, stopping Kararina Pelevinia by 13-3 technical fall and pinning Natalia Ilbina in 5:58 and Natalia Uvedova in 3:28. "Jenny has really turned it up. She has set a great pace for both the men's and women's delegations. She has beaten three very physical Russians in her pool," said U.S. coach Rusty Davidson. Results from the first session of the men's tournament are also available. 2000 Charles Burton (Lincoln, Neb./New York AC) won his first match at 84 kg/185 lbs., with a 7-1 victory over an athlete from Belarus. He will face 1996 Olympic champion Khajimurad Magomedov tonight. Mike Mena (Bloomington, Ind./New York AC) opened with a pin over a Russian opponent, and will face an athlete from Uzbekistan in the next round. Jamill Kelly (Stillwater, Okla./Gator WC) received a forfeit win in his first round at 66 kg/145.5 lbs. He has a Russian opponent in his second match. Tolly Thompson (Cedar Falls, Iowa/Sunkist Kids) went 1-1 for the session at 120 kg/264.5 lbs., winning a match by technical fall and losing a match by technical fall. His next opponent is from China. Women's Draws for Saturday's prelims: 48kg Patricia Miranda - 1st round = Russia 2nd Round = Ukraine 55kg Tina George - 1st Round = Mongolia 2nd Round = Russia 63kg Sara McMann - 1st Round = Ukraine 2nd Round = Latvia 3rd Round = Belarus 72kg Iris Smith - 1st Round = Russia 2nd Round = Russia 3rd Round = Russia