Hargobind results, Nov 4, 5, 2011

Congratulations to team members placing in the Hargobind Tournaments.

Two mustangs take medals at prestigious Fifth Annual Hargobind International Wrestling Tournament, Nov 4, 5, 2011  (Burnaby/Surrey, B.C.)

Steven Takahashi won silver while mustang teammate, Ilya Abelev won bronze in their individual weight classes at theHargobind  International Wrestling Tournament.  The two-day event featured the Canadian only tournament on day one which is used for National Team Carding points while the second day features the open international tournament.

Takahashi, who is coming off a recent Pan American Games bronze in the 55 kg division, won three matches, and lost in the final in a tie breaking 3^rd round in the best of three-round final against Aso Palani of the Burnaby Mountain Wrestling Club.

Abelev, who as a rookie won the individual CIS 66 kg title last season, defeated the more experienced Jeremy Podlog  for the bronze in the 66 kg division.  Both Takahashi and Abelev, who are currently junior age (U20) performed very well, considering both are competing against top senior age competitors.

The tournament traditionally features the top competitors from Canada, numerous stars from the United States, as well as competitors from other nations.

Other mustangs competing were Richard Balfour (60 kg) who put in a solid 2-2 win-loss record to place 7^th, and women team members, Larissa D’Alleva (63 kg) placed 6^th with a 1-3 win-loss record  and Brianne Barry (59 kg) 0-2 win-loss.   Liz Sera was scheduled to compete but was forced to withdraw due to a lower body injury suffered two weeks earlier during training.

Balfour, Takahashi and Abelev all qualified for day two to enter the International division November 5.  Abelev won two matches to place 5^th overall.  Takahashi did not compete due to a lower body injury suffered on day one.

Hargobind Senior Qualifying Tournament, Friday, November 4, 2011

• 2^nd 55 kg            Steven Takahashi
• 3^rd 66 kg            Ilya Abelev
• 6^th 63 kg            Larissa D’Alleva

Hargobind International 2011, November 5, 2011

• 5^th 66 kg             Ilya Abelev