Sept. 10, 2015
- IowaCitytoRio.com
- Wrestling Ticket Packages
- Read the June issue of Hawk Talk Monthly
- Big Ten Network: Free Hawkeye Video
- 24 Hawkeyes to Watch
LAS VEGAS — Former University of Iowa wrestler Brent Metcalf was eliminated from the UWW World Championships on Thursday after advancing to the round of 16.
Metcalf, ranked No. 2 in the world at 65 kg/143 lbs., opened the tournament with an 11-0 superior decision over Hungary’s Norbert Lukacs.
He advanced to the round of 16 after narrowly avoiding a late takedown against China’s Katal Yeerlanbieke. Metcalf led 4-3 before Yeerlanbieke spun around the American in the final seconds for a potential two-point score. With Yeerlanbiek draped on his back, Metcalf held a tripod position as time expired to avoid a takedown. China challenged the no-score to no avail, giving Metcalf a 5-3 win.
In a random draw tournament format, Metcalf met to defending world champion Sayed Mohammadi (Iran) in the round of 16. He was denied a chance at gold following a 5-4 to the world’s No. 1 ranked wrestler.
Metcalf needed Mohammadi to reach the finals in order to earn a shot at bronze, but the Iranian was pinned by Frank Chamizo of Italy in the semifinals.
Metcalf was participating at the World Championships for the fourth time. He was also a member of Team USA in 2010, 2013, and 2014. His next chance at a world title is at the 2016 Rio Olympics. The 2016 U.S. Olympic Team Trials are April 9-10, 2016, in Iowa City, Iowa, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
Former Hawkeye Tony Ramos takes his shot at a world title Saturday in Las Vegas in the 57 kg/125.5 freestyle bracket.
UnitedWorldWrestling.org and ESPN3 will provide a live stream of the competition. Visit themat.com for complete coverage.
ESPN2 will televise the championships Thursday at 7 p.m. (CT) and Sunday at 7:30 p.m.
