USA Greco

Miranda & Perez Finish 5th to Close Out Zagreb

By 5PM Staff

Posted on January 30, 2022

Robert Perez III -- Grand Prix Zagreb Open

Both Randon Miranda (60 kg, Rise RTC, 5PM #4) and Robert Perez III (67 kg, Sunkist) fell in their bronze-medal matches earlier today in Zagreb in what were two tough skirmishes, which the US program may see as a bright spot considering their upcoming training block.

Miranda had veteran competitor Ayhan Karakus (TUR) with whom to deal in his battle for bronze. The action was tightly-wound as the athletes gauged one another early on in the ties. Karakus received the first passivity/par terre chance, and soon capitalized with a turn. Miranda appeared undaunted by the circumstances and went back to work trying to navigate a potential clearing, though Karakus stayed intent on bottling up the arms to avoid giving up position.

In what might have been responsible for changing the complexion of the proceedings, Miranda sought an opening to the body in the second period but a loss of balance provided an opportunity for Karakus — who covered for two before following up a gutwrench. With time beginning to wane, Miranda finally broke through with a takedown. However, Karakus managed to survive till the bell for the 7-2 decision.

Perez was in the driver’s seat for the majority of the first period opposite Gakus Snjoyan (FRA), looking game and composed. The feel was evident, even if Perez waded into dangerous territory on occasion by giving up underhooks. Points arrived for the young wrestler after a Snjoyan arm throw attempt. Perez looked to fling and yank, and then scrambled and spun around back for two. The workrate was also in his favor. Perez was constantly digging in with intent, while Snjoyan deflected such advances by clutching wrists and forearms. Passivity was called, a little later than usual, and Perez benefitted in netting his third point of the bout.

The second period had begun to unfold in similar fashion until Snjoyan was gifted passivity/PT, which he used to garner a two-point lift. Perez was back up nearly immediately, and it was clear he had more steam to expend than his opponent. But Snjoyan would not betray much in the way of vulnerabilities. He closed off repeatedly, most notably by locking up Perez’s fingers. Action between the two started to reach a stalemate but the officials did not involve themselves. In the end, Snjoyan warded off a persistent Perez for a 3-3 criteria nod.

Reigning US National Champion Miranda and ’18 Cadet World Team member Perez officially finished in fifth-place to lead the US performance this weekend in Croatia.