In only his second international appearance, Tanner Farmer (130 kg, NYAC/IRTC, 5PM #3) now finds himself one victory away from a highly-respectable medal.
Day 3 of the 2022 Nikola Petrov Memorial began at 10:30am local time in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria (3:30am ET) and aired live on YouTube.
Another expression of dominance it was for Farmer, who was squaring off against two-time Junior World medalist Roman Kim of Kyrgyzstan. The first points arrived early, as Farmer flicked an arm drag that he used to pounce on Kim towards the edge. Back to the feet, and patience. Farmer — who in the beginning stages of his career has been known for his heavy push — chose to navigate the ties with a sense of purpose. However, Kim was the one who found an opportunity in short order with a headlock try. Farmer was not in serious danger despite Kim’s hip position. He simply dropped his own hips down in requisite fashion and popped his head for an apparent takedown. But — the action was ruled a slip in Kim’s favor, much to the displeasure of the American corner, prompting a challenge. The review confirmed two more for Farmer with a chance from top par terre.
As was the case in both of his matches yesterday (including the loss to Alin Alexuc-Ciurariu), Farmer then unloaded with gutwrenches. He needed only two turns, which he executed, and the stoppage was called midway through the first period. In the bronze medal round, Farmer will face Lenny Berei (ROU).
Gabe & Perez
Another tournament, another Senior overseas debut for a US athlete. Gabriel Townsell (60 kg, California RTC) — who did compete in legs this past Thursday — drew well-traveled Bulgarian Nedyalko Petrov. Razor-sharp movement was the order of the day for Townsell, as he courted first contact by dipping down into the trenches. The pair traded short drags, and then Townsell was in the pocket with a two-on-one. Petrov responded by roping the body. Passivity soon rang, with Petrov the beneficiary. Townsell initially defended the lock well, but Petrov got on a roll with his gut for a succession of turns to end the match. Abdelkerim Fergat (ALG, and who has looked even better at 60 than he did previously at 55) defeated Petrov in the proceeding round to eliminate Townsell from possible contention for bronze.
Robert Perez III (67 kg, Sunkist) mustered all of the effort he could opposite Ashu Ashu (IND) but was unable to break through offensively. The tempo was even past the first minute, though Ashu was having perhaps a bit more success in creating purposeful positions. Hence, it was Perez deemed to be passive. Ashu locked for a lift and brought his hold down for two points and a 3-0 lead entering the break.
It was all still within reach for Perez, who poured back inside to start the second and eventually snared a brief two-on-one. Ashu re-checked his stance for more engagement and pursued around back for a takedown, putting Perez in a deep 5-0 hole. India wasn’t done, and another reach-around takedown was scored soon after. From bottom par terre, Perez defended both a lift and subsequent crash gut attempt, but he would be kept off the board for the remainder. UPDATE: Ashu was downed by Ivo Iliev (BUL) in the semifinal, which dashed Perez’s hopes for a potential shot at bronze through the repechage.
The medal round on Day 3 featuring Farmer versus Berei starts at 6:00pm local time in Bulgaria (11:00am ET) and can be viewed live right here.
2022 NIKOLA PETROV MEMORIAL
February 17-20 — Veliko Tarnovo, BUL
TEAM USA DAY 3 RESULTS
60 kg: Gabriel Townsell (California RTC)
LOSS Nedyalko Petrov (BUL) 9-0, TF
67 kg: Robert Perez III (Sunkist)
LOSS Ashu Ashu (IND) 7-0
130 kg: Tanner Farmer (NYAC/IRTC)
WON Roman Kim (KGZ) 8-0, TF
vs. Lenny Berei (ROU)
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