Vladimer Khinchegashvili is a champion of Europe! The member (57 kg) of the Georgian freestyle wrestling team won gold medal at European Championship which is under way in the city of Finland, Vantaa.

In 1/8 final Khinchegashvili beat Georgi Vangelov of Bulgaria 6:2, Zoheir El Ouarraque of France 7:3 and Rustam Ampar of Russia 6:4

In the final Khinchegashvili wrestled 35-year-old Ghenadie Tulbea of Montenegro who is two-time champion of Europe. Tulbea won his first European gold medal 13 years ago when Vladimer Khinchegashvili was making the first steps in wrestling. The Georgian defeated the Montenegrin 5:1.

Before the current European Championship, Khinchegashvili has stood on European pedestal twice.  In 2011 he took the second place and in 2013 – the third place. At London Olympic Games he wrestled in the final and won silver medal.

Today champions and prize winners were also found out in 61 kg. Beka Lomtadze wrestled in the name of Georgia.

The Georgian beat Narek Sanoyan of Armenia 14:9 but in ¼ final he failed to Haji Aliyev of Azerbaijan 6:12.

Aliyev overcame the other round and the Georgian wrestled in repechage. In repechage semifinal Beka Lomtadze wrestled Alexander Semisorov of Germany and unfortunately, lost 4:15.

Tomorrow champions and prize winners will be found out in 74 and 125 kg. Iakob Makarashvili (74 kg) and Davit Modzmanashvili (125 kg) will wrestle in the name of Georgia.

Otar Maglakelidze