2020 Russian Nationals Preview: 92 KG

2020 Rus Nats 92 KG.jpeg

Names to Know:

  • #2 Alikhan Zhabrailov: 2017 86 Kg U-23 world champ, 2018 Russian Nationals bronze, 2019 Russian nationals champ, 2019 world bronze, 2020 Yarygin runner-up

  • #5 Magomed Kurbanov: 2018 Intercontinental Cup bronze 2018 Alans runner-up, 2018 Inter 2019 Yarygin champ, 2019 Alans champ, 

  • #9 Radik Nartikoev: 2020 Yarygin bronze

  • #10 Anzor Urishev: 11x senior Russian nationals medalist (‘08-’19), 2018 Tbilisi GP champ, 2018 Intercontinental Cup champ 2018 Alans champ, 2020 Yarygin bronze

  • #4 Batyrbek Tsakulov: 2018 Ali Aliev champ, 2018 national champ, 2019 U-23 Euro champ, 2019 Rus Nats bronze, 2020 Yarygin champ

  • #16 Guram Chertkoev: 2016 97 KG University world champ, 2019 Sargsyan champ, 2019 Korkin champ

  • Gadzhimagomed Nazhmudinov: 2017 84 KG junior euro runner-up 2019 Intercontinental Cup runner-up, 


The Bracket Breakdown:

#2 Alikhan Zhabrailov has a decent opening round match against 2019 intercontinental cup runner-up Gadzhimagomed Nazhmudinov but it should be fine. What is some cause for concern is #9 Radik Nartikoev who absolutely throttled #5 Magomed Kurbanov for bronze. But like I think Zhabrailov is the most talented guy here so if he actually tries he should be fine through the quarters. A match against returning bronze medalist #10 Anzor Urishev in the semis will most likely be the best match of the weight but again, Zhabrailov should win.

Smart money on the bottom half is to go with #4 Batyrbek Tsakulov beating #16 Guram Chertkoev and then taking a low scoring match over #5 Magomed Kurbanov in the semis. Zhabrailov over Tsakulov in the finals.

Seth Petarra