Semen Novikov Dominates Lasha Gobadze in Men's Greco-Roman 87kg Quarter-Finals

In the highly anticipated Men's Greco-Roman 87kg quarter-finals held at the Champ-de-Mars Arena on August 7, 2024, Bulgaria's Semen Novikov showcased exceptional skill and determination, defeating Georgia's Lasha Gobadze with a final score of 8-3.

The match began with both wrestlers displaying aggressive tactics. Novikov, competing in red, quickly established dominance with a strong offensive strategy, earning a total of 8 technical points. His ability to control the mat and execute effective maneuvers allowed him to maintain a lead throughout the match.

While Gobadze, wrestling from the blue corner, fought valiantly and scored 3 points, he struggled to counter Novikov's relentless pace and tactical superiority. As the match progressed, it became evident that Novikov was in control, ultimately securing his place in the semi-finals.

The officiating team, led by referee Belkacem Trai from Algeria, along with judges Karl Peter Schmitt from Germany and Ferenc Gyarmati from Romania, ensured a fair competition. The match was held over two periods, with Novikov outscoring Gobadze in both, demonstrating his readiness for the upcoming challenges in the tournament.

With this victory, Semen Novikov advances to the semi-finals, where he will continue his quest for Olympic glory. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if he can maintain this momentum and contend for the gold medal as the tournament progresses.