丷兦_銗錵圜

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Manuchar Kvirkvelia on the podium (Photo credit: Getty Images)

(BEIJING, August 13) -- Georgia's Manuchar Kvirkvelia won his country's first gold of these Olympics by defeating China's Chang Yongxiang in the Men's Greco-Roman 74 kilogram Wrestling final on August 13.

Manuchar Kvirkvelia on the podium (Photo credit: Getty Images)

Kvirkvelia's best senior result before this tournament was the gold medal at the 2007 European Championship. On his way to the final he beat 2007 World Championship bronze medalist Christophe Guénot of France, Athens seventh place Konstantin Schneider of Germany and 2008 European champion Péter Bácsi of Hungary.

Chang's journey to the final was no easier than his opponent's. The 24-year-old overcame 2007 world champion Yavor Yanakiev of Bulgaria, 2007 Pan-American Championships' bronze medalist Sixto Barrera of Peru and 2006 World Championships runner-up Aleh Mikhalovich of Belarus. With only one Asian championship in his collection, Chang entered the final as the underdog.

Both wrestlers started the bout conservatively. After no one scored in the first minute, Chang was given the first par terre but couldn't score. Kvirkvelia then showed his superiority with a throw of grand amplitude, ending the first period 6-0. The second period started with another scoreless first minute. Chang failed once more in the first par terre and Kvirkvelia got an exposure in the second. Kvirkvelia won the period 3-0 and was declared the victor.

Manuchar Kvirkvelia wins the gold (Photo credit: Getty Images)

Kvirkvelia's convincing performance brought Georgia its first gold medal in Beijing. Though defeated, Chang still grabbed the first ever Men's Wrestling Olympic medal for China.