John Fuller/USA Wrestling
Clermont-Ferrand, France – The U.S. squad placed fifth at the 2005 Women’s World Cup in France on Saturday afternoon, defeating Venezuela 19-7 in the fifth-place dual meet.
Japan captured its second consecutive title, defeating the United States team, the 2003 World Cup champions, 24-4, and a tough Russian squad, 23-2, in pool competition before dominating Ukraine in the finals, 22-4.
Uncharacteristic of past World Cup events, the six teams were divided into two pools. The U.S. team was placed in a pool with Russia and Japan, while host France faced off with Ukraine and Venezuela in its pool.
The U.S. team lost both of the dual meets in its pool. In the first round, Japan defeated the U.S. team 24-4. Two-time World champion Kristie Marano (Colorado Springs, Colo./New York AC) defeated Eri Sakamoto at 67 kg/147.5 lbs. for the only U.S. victory.
2003 World bronze medalist Sally Roberts (Colorado Springs, Colo./Gator WC) also scored a team point in a close bout with 2004 World University champion Ayako Shoda at 59 kg/130 lbs.
Japan’s lineup included Olympic gold medalists Saori Yoshida at 55 kg/121 lbs., who defeated Tina George (Colorado Springs, Colo./New York AC), and Kaori Icho at 63 kg/138.75 lbs., who defeated Kaci Lyle (Colorado Springs, Colo./Sunkist Kids).
In the second round, Russia defeated the U.S. squad 16-11, sending the U.S. team into the fifth-place bout.
The U.S. team lost the first three matches of the dual meet, before Roberts registered a win over Viktoria Zagaynova at 59 kg. Zagaynova placed fifth in the 2005 European Championships.
Russia clinched the dual with a win at 63 kg by 2004 World Cup bronze medalist Anna Polovneva over Lyle.
Marano then defeated 2004 World Cup champion and 2005 European Championships silver medalist Elena Perepelkina at 67 kg.
Iris Smith (Colorado Springs, Colo./U.S. Army) ended the dual on a high note for the U.S., downing 2004 European Junior champion Julia Bartnouskaia at 72 kg/158.5 lbs.
“The first two duals were rough for us. We went against two of the top teams in the world in our pool,” U.S. coach Tom Tomeo stated. “We bounced back well against Venezuela, though.”
In the other pool, Venezuela and Ukraine tied at 15-15, Ukraine defeated France 16-13 and France downed Venezuela 22-10.
Russia defeated France 21-9 in the third-place dual.
Wrestling Gear
