Eric Fader (130 kg, Marines) fortuitously found himself in contention for a bronze medal earlier today at the 2017 Paris International Tournament but alas, he couldn’t capitalize. Going up against 2016 Junior World bronze medalist Ferenc Almasi, one of Hungary’s top young prospects, Fader dutifully took the initiative, attempting an arm throw immediately after the whistle. Almasi stayed back and covered, but it was ruled a slip. Fader went right back at it again for another arm throw, only this time Almasi got behind and locked around to take Fader backwards for four. Almasi locked up a gutwrench and rolled it over twice for four more points and a technical fall win over the American in 1:02.
The 130 kg bracket at the Paris International was light on depth and featured a mere six competitors. In his first bout of the morning, Fader fell to Norwegian Oscar Marvik 9-0. Marvik advanced to the finals and pulled Fader back in, giving him the shot at bronze that ultimately proved not to be.
Several other US Marines hit the mats earlier today. At 59 kg, Colton Rasche put in a gallant effort but could not summon the offense necessary to overcome France’s Tigran Galustyan, losing 5-0. Raymond Bunker (66 kg) delivered a gritty performance against Hrachia Malkhasian (FRA) despite coming up short in a 5-2 effort. Fellow 66’er Joshua Russo didn’t get the chance to rev into gear versus eventual bronze medalist Roman Pacurkowski (POL), as he was rolled up in a 10-0 technical fall defeat. Michael Brant (80 kg) drew a tough assignment in Sweden’s Alex Kessidis (World no. 17) but he, too, couldn’t stay in it and dropped an 8-0 tech fall.
It wasn’t the Day 2 the American Greco Roman wrestlers were hoping for. At the same time, in order for the US to begin the climb back into international relevance, opportunities like this are a necessary part of the process. Each one of these athletes showed they are willing to pay the toll and get overseas in search of more experience. And although no medals were acquired today, just showing up to fight it out stands as a step in the right direction.
2017 Paris International Tournament — Day 2 US Results
59 kg:
Colton Rasche (Marines)
LOSS Tigran Galustyan (FRA) 5-0
66 kg:
Raymond Bunker (Marines)
LOSS Hrachia Malkhasian (FRA) 5-2
Joshua Russo (Marines)
LOSS Roman Pacurkowski (POL) 10-0, TF
80 kg:
Michael Brant (Marines)
LOSS Alex Kessidis (SWE) 8-0, TF
130 kg:
Eric Fader (Marines)
LOSS Oscar Marvik (NOR) 9-0, TF
LOSS Ferenc Almasi (HUN) 8-0, TF
