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Russia beats USA, 7-0, in freestyle dual meet in Nalchik, Russia on Tuesday

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by Gary Abbott

NALCHIK, Russia - A national team from Russia defeated a visiting U.S. team in a freestyle dual meet, 7-0 on Tuesday.

Russia swept all of matches in the dual meet, winning five of seven bouts in just two periods.

"When you lose all your matches against the Russians in Russia, it's a very painful feeling; however, our guys had some huge realizations tonight and are committed to failing forward," said Assistant National Coach Brandon Slay. "We don't get this level of challenge and competition back in the U.S., which is why we must come on these trips to get this feel against the Russians."

In the featured match of the evening, two-time World champion Bilyal Mahov of Russia defeated 2009 World bronze medalist Tervel Dlagnev (Columbus, Ohio/Sunkist Kids), 2-0, 2-1.

"Tervel had never wrestled Makhov before, and now Tervel realizes that he can beat him when it really matters at the World Championships in Moscow this year,". said Slay.

It has been a busy trip to Russia for the U.S. athletes, who placed sixth in the Freestyle World Cup in Moscow over the weekend, then dropped a 5-2 dual meet to a different Russian team in Vladikavkaz on Monday night.

"All in all, our men realize that we are not far off from breaking through against Russia, Iran, Azberbaijan and the others. They have committed to doing everything it takes to close that gap," said Slay.

"The Russian Federation has done a fabulous job of taking care of us, and the Russian people have been extremely friendly and have welcomed us with open arms. Currently, this is the heart's center of the best wrestling and best wrestling fans in the world. We were blessed to be here. But, we do plan on beating them the next time we return," he said.

RUSSIA 7, USA 0
At Nalchik, Russia, March 9
55 kg/121 lbs.- Rasoul Mashyezov (Russia) dec. Sam Hazewinkel (USA), 0-2, 5-0, 5-0
55 kg/121 lbs. - Atmir Hromov (Russia) dec. Danny Felix (USA), 1-0, 1-0
60 kg/132 lbs - Eldar Misirov (Russia) dec. Shawn Bunch (USA), 0-1, 3-0, 1-0
66 kg/145.5 lbs. - Arsen Mairov (Russia) dec. Teyon Ware (USA), 5-0, 6-1
74 kg/163 lbs. - Anwar Geduyev (USA) dec. Trent Paulson (USA), 1-0, 5-0
84 kg/185 lbs. - Anzor Urishev (USA) dec. Mike Poeta (USA), 5-1, 6-1
120 kg/264.5 lbs. - Bilyal Makhov (USA) dec. Tervel Dlagnev (USA), 2-0, 2-1

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