Former world bronze medallist Otoguro was at the centre of drama in the 54kg showdown, racing into an apparent 13-2 technical fall win over Abasgadzhi Magomedov before a challenge from the Russian corner adjusted the score to 9-2 as the wrestlers headed into the second period.

"My coaches told me not to worry about it and keep scoring points when I had the chance," said Otoguro, who went on to cobble together a 13-6 win against an increasingly agitated opponent.

"The cheering of my team-mates and the people in the arena really raised my spirits.

"A year ago, I tried to protect a lead by being defensive.

"So this year I knew I needed to continue scoring points."

Ukraine’s Gevorg Abramian claimed the first bronze medal available with a win over Iran’s Hamed Siayhdoolan, while the second went to the US’s Daton Fix, beating Uzbekistan’s Abbas Rakhmonov.

Verklereen followed Otoguro's lead in the 63kg final, securing a cross-ankle lock and converting it into an 11-0 win over Khayrullah Nuradinov shortly before the three-minute mark.

Iran’s Ahmed Medhizadehmarzan and Azerbaijan’s Orkhan Abbasov both clinched bronze with victories over Moldova’s Vasili Diaconu and Japan’s Rui Sakasai respectively.

The evening’s medal matches began with Russia’s Aleksey Kopylov wrapping up top honours with three gut wrenches for a 10-0 technical fall over European bronze medal winner Georgios Pilidis of Greece in the 46kg final.

India’s Monu Monu beat Belarus’ Dzmitry Yarmolchyk to claim one of the two bronze medals and was joined on the third step of the podium by Iran’s Amir Parasteh, who defeated the US’s Dylan Demilio.

Aslanbek Gvaramia secured a second gold for Russia, sealing his victory over European bronze medallist Ivan Stefanov of Bulgaria at 76kg with a takedown to gut wrench for a 10-0 technical fall.

Belarus’ Arkadzi Pahasian got his hands on a bronze medal by overcoming Italy’s Gabriele Doro, while Azerbaijan’s Ahliman Guliyev beat Iran’s Hamed Manafian to the other.

Meanwhile, the US’s Gable Steveson followed up a 10-5 win over Russia’s Soslan Khinchagov in the 100kg semi-finals by forging a 9-0 victory over Uzbekistan’s Khasanboy Rakhimov in the Championship finale.

Steveson consigned his opponent to a silver medal along with twin brother, Khusanboy Rakhimov, who came second at 85kg last night.

The category’s bronze medals were won by Turkey’s Yakup Yerlikaya, who outdid India’s Hussain Nasir, and Russia’s Khinchagov, up against Georgia’s Zuriko Urtashvili.


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