Burroughs adds to legend with epic trilogy win over Dake at World Team Trials
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by Richard Immel, USA Wrestling
The highly-anticipated World Team Trials championship series between American wresting icons Jordan Burroughs and Kyle Dake delivered on a grand scale, adding another layer of heat to the already intense rivalry.
Entering the World Team Trials finals, the duo had wrestled five times with Burroughs claiming all five wins. The most recent Burroughs victory came in April at the U.S. Open. It was Burroughs edging Dake, 2-2, on criteria to solidify his berth in the World Team Trials finals.
Dake was forced to run through the challenge tournament where he ousted a pair of multiple-time NCAA champions, Isaiah Martinez and Alex Dieringer, to set the rematch with Burroughs. This was the third best-of-three championship series between Burroughs and Dake with a spot on the U.S. World Team hanging in the balance.
Burroughs appeared vulnerable for the first time on the Senior level after failing to medal at the Olympic Games, and Dake looked as strong as ever since finishing his college career as a four-time NCAA champion. Would we see the ascension of Dake, or would the road to redemption continue for Burroughs?
Match 1: Jordan Burroughs (Sunkist Kids) vs. Kyle Dake (Titan Mercury WC)
The round one loss to Dake marked the first time Burroughs has lost on U.S. soil during his Senior-level career and only the second time an American has defeated him in that timeframe. Dake looked solid in round one with a highlight reel chest lock proving the difference in the 6-6 bout.
Match 2: Kyle Dake (Titan Mercury WC) vs. Jordan Burroughs (Sunkist Kids)
After building a five-point lead in match one, Dake continue his first period dominance in the series by taking a 3-0 lead into the break of match two. Burroughs didn’t score his first point of the match until Dake gave up a shot clock point with 1:10 remaining. Cue insanity. After an action-packed final minute, Burroughs came away with an 8-4 win and the rubber match was on.
Match 3: Jordan Burroughs (Sunkist Kids) vs. Kyle Dake (Titan Mercury WC)
In match three, the momentum rested with Burroughs. He opened with a takedown and turn to take a 4-0 lead that proved to be insurmountable. A 6-2 win over Dake in the deciding bout gives Burroughs his seventh-straight opportunity to chase World gold. He will represent the U.S. at 74 kg at the World Championships in Paris, France, on August 26.
Interview: Jordan Burroughs following World Team Trials victory
Burroughs is an Olympic champion, three-time World champion, four-time World medalist, two-time U.S. Olympic Team member and now a five-time U.S. World Team member. He was a two-time NCAA champion and three-time All-American for Nebraska.
Entering the World Team Trials finals, the duo had wrestled five times with Burroughs claiming all five wins. The most recent Burroughs victory came in April at the U.S. Open. It was Burroughs edging Dake, 2-2, on criteria to solidify his berth in the World Team Trials finals.
Dake was forced to run through the challenge tournament where he ousted a pair of multiple-time NCAA champions, Isaiah Martinez and Alex Dieringer, to set the rematch with Burroughs. This was the third best-of-three championship series between Burroughs and Dake with a spot on the U.S. World Team hanging in the balance.
Burroughs appeared vulnerable for the first time on the Senior level after failing to medal at the Olympic Games, and Dake looked as strong as ever since finishing his college career as a four-time NCAA champion. Would we see the ascension of Dake, or would the road to redemption continue for Burroughs?
Match 1: Jordan Burroughs (Sunkist Kids) vs. Kyle Dake (Titan Mercury WC)
The round one loss to Dake marked the first time Burroughs has lost on U.S. soil during his Senior-level career and only the second time an American has defeated him in that timeframe. Dake looked solid in round one with a highlight reel chest lock proving the difference in the 6-6 bout.
Match 2: Kyle Dake (Titan Mercury WC) vs. Jordan Burroughs (Sunkist Kids)
After building a five-point lead in match one, Dake continue his first period dominance in the series by taking a 3-0 lead into the break of match two. Burroughs didn’t score his first point of the match until Dake gave up a shot clock point with 1:10 remaining. Cue insanity. After an action-packed final minute, Burroughs came away with an 8-4 win and the rubber match was on.
Match 3: Jordan Burroughs (Sunkist Kids) vs. Kyle Dake (Titan Mercury WC)
In match three, the momentum rested with Burroughs. He opened with a takedown and turn to take a 4-0 lead that proved to be insurmountable. A 6-2 win over Dake in the deciding bout gives Burroughs his seventh-straight opportunity to chase World gold. He will represent the U.S. at 74 kg at the World Championships in Paris, France, on August 26.
Interview: Jordan Burroughs following World Team Trials victory
Burroughs is an Olympic champion, three-time World champion, four-time World medalist, two-time U.S. Olympic Team member and now a five-time U.S. World Team member. He was a two-time NCAA champion and three-time All-American for Nebraska.
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