2019 World Championships

MAX To Wrestle for 2019 World Bronze

By 5PM Staff

Posted on September 15, 2019

Photo: Kadir Caliskan/UWW

Although it had taken Max Nowry (55 kg, Army/WCAP) the sum of his career thus far to appear in a Senior World event, he is sure making it count in his first time out. That’s because the 29-year-old, who went 1-1 on Saturday in two impressive matches, emerged victorious again this morning and has punched his ticket to the bronze medal round.

Squaring off against #4 seed Abdelkerim Fergat (ALG), Nowry was loose and ready once the whistle blew. He used his quickness to dart in and out before eventually settling with a two-on-one on Fergat’s left side. The first passivity went to the American — and he took full advantage. Nowry cranked a left-side gut for two rotations; and then reset for a trap-arm gut on the other side for another turn and a 7-0 lead that put him in the driver’s seat.

Fergat looked to close the gap in the second period. Nowry, hit for passive himself, was gutted by the Algerian for two; but on the back-side of the sequence, Nowry nearly stepped over. Next, he exploded to his feet, causing Fergat to hit the deck with Nowry covering for a takedown. Frustrated but still wanting to engage, Fergat became increasingly agitated, chipping and checking for which he was warned by the official. As he extended his arms with a mere few seconds remaining, Nowry pushed forward and off-balanced Fergat once more — and quickly spun for a takedown that sealed the 11-3 technical fall victory.

In the bronze-medal round later today, standing across from Nowry will be returning World Champion Eldaniz Azizli (AZE). Azizli, the top seed entering the tournament, was felled by Khorlan Zhakansha (KAZ) in the semifinals 11-6. Nowry was defeated by Zhakansha in the quarterfinal 3-2.

Stefanowicz exits in exasperation

Marine John Stefanowicz (82 kg), one of four first-timers for Team USA, had another chance in the repechage round this morning — and similar to his bout on Saturday — found himself frustrated when it was over with.

Operating against Haito Qian (CHN), Stefanowicz proceeded forward in the tie-ups itching to gain control early. Qian re-engaged and an exchange saw Stefanowicz forced off the line for a 1-0 deficit. Passivity rang in, giving Qian a shot from top par terre. Qian managed to secure a two-point lift; and then Stefanowicz was put back down into par terre, which the US found incredulous. So, they challenged — and lost, resulting in Qian bolstering his lead to 5-0. When action restarted, Qian locked up a gutwrench for two turns, ending both the bout and Stefanowicz’s opportunity to wrestle for a medal in his maiden World Championships voyage.

The finals/medal round on Sunday follows the semifinals and begins at 8:00pm local time from Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan (10:00am ET). US fans can watch live on Trackwrestling.com (subscription required).