Bono wins gold medal at the Cup of Independence in Tashkent, Uzbekistan; four Americans win medals o
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John Fuller (USA Wrestling)
03/04/2003
Two-time U.S. World Team member Chris Bono (Gilbert, Iowa/Sunkist Kids) won the gold medal at 66 kg/145.5 lbs. at the Cup of Independence in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Bono defeated Shamil Umalatov of Russia, who placed second in the 2002 World Cup, by a score of 8-3 in the gold medal finals. U.S. World Team members Stephen Abas (Fresno, Calif./Sunkist Kids) and Kerry McCoy (Bethlehem, Pa./New York AC) both captured silver medals after losing their respective finals matches. Abas lost a 4-2 decision at 55 kg/121 lbs. to Dilshod Mansurov of Uzbekistan, who placed seventh at the 2001 World Championships. McCoy lost to Artur Taimazov of Uzbekistan at 120 kg/264.5 lbs. by a 12-0 technical fall. McCoy and Taimazov had not faced each other since Taimazov posted a quarterfinal win over McCoy in the 2000 Olympic Games. 2001 World bronze medalist Joe Williams (Iowa City, Iowa/Sunkist Kids) won the bronze medal at 74 kg/163 lbs. after pinning his opponent. Other U.S. placewinners included Eric Guerrero (Stillwater, Okla./Gator WC), who was 8th at 60 kg/132 lbs. and Tim Hartung (Minneapolis, Minn./Minnesota Storm), who was 9th at 96 kg/211.5 lbs.