Zaurbek Kazbekovich Sidakov[a] (born 14 March 1996) is a Russian freestyle wrestler, who competes at 74 kilograms.[2][3][4] Sidakov is the 2020 Olympic champion in the 74 kg and a three-time World Champion, claiming his titles in 2018 and 2019 and 2023.[5]
Sidakov is also a European Games Gold medalist, World Cup champion, three-time Russian National Champion, three-time Ivan Yarygin International champion (four-time finalist, five-time medalist), Military World Champion and U23 European Champion (two-time finalist). As of November 2024, Sidakov is ranked by multiple media outlets as the best pound for pound wrestler in the world.
Sidakov has supported the Russian invasion of Ukraine by participating in a pro-war rally in Luzhniki Stadium in March 2022.[6]
Beslan terrorist attack
editOn 1 September 2004, the school Sidakov attended – School no.1 in Beslan – was overtaken by Chechen terrorists in the Beslan school siege, which resulted in over 1,100 victims being held hostage and 334 victims murdered over a three-day period where they would be held in the school's gym-hall without any food or water. Despite being children at the time, they understood what was happening when being evacuated from school, said Sidakov and he had friends and training partners who were being held as hostages.[7] Future Olympic Wrestling teammate Artur Naifonov, a bronze medalist, also survived the siege.[8]
Wrestling career
edit2018
editSidakov has won many medals throughout his career; he has won bronze, two silvers and three gold medals at the Ivan Yarygin Golden Grand Prix from 2015 to 2023 – most recently, a gold at the Ivan Yarygin 2023. In 2016 he captured his first gold medal at the Grand Prix by defeating Russian National champion, Khusein Suyunchev.[9][10] At the 2018 Yarygin Grand Prix, Zidakov entered at the quarter-final round and wrestled Turkish wrestler Muhammet Demir and won by 13–2 technical fall, in the semi-final round; he faced fellow training partner and Ossetian, Khakhaber Khubezthy by 5–0, thus advancing to the final round. Sidakov faced another training partner of his, Khetag Tsabolov[11] and lost after giving up a last minute takedown, and lost by the score of 1–3, ultimately resulting in Sidakov taking the silver medal.[12]
2018 Russian National Championships
editSidakov entered the 2018 Russian National Freestyle Wrestling Championships in Odintsovo, Moscow Oblast in August 2018. In the round of 16, he defeated Konstantin Korolyov of Krasnoyarsk by 14–1 technical fall; Sidakov went on to defeat Magomed Magomedov of Moscow by 9–0 in the round of 8. In the quarter-finals, Sidakov defeated Timur Bizhoev of Krasnodar by 3–1 and advanced to the semi-finals where he defeated Evgeny Lapishov of Tatarstan by 10–0 technical superiority, thus advancing Sidakov to the finals, where he would face former opponent and training partner, Khetag Tsabolov.[13] Sidakov ultimately got his revenge and the gold medal this time, as he won by 2–2 criteria scoring a takedown in the last 30 seconds.[14][15][16]
2018 World Championships
editSidakov made his first appearance on the world stage when he entered the 2018 World Championships in Budapest, Hungary. In Sidakov's opening match, he faced and defeated Bulgaria's Miroslav Kirov by 10–0 technical-fall, and then defeated Franklin Gomez to advance to the quarter-finals. In the quarter-final, he beat NCAA champion, Olympic gold medalist and four-time world champion Jordan Burroughs 6–5, and Sidakov then beat Olympic Bronze medalist, and two-time European and World champion, Frank Chamizo by 3–2, advancing Sidakov to the final, opposite Georgia's Avtandil Kentchadze, a 2018 U23 European Championships Bronze Medalist – whom Sidakov defeated at the U23 Senior European Championships in the semi-final.[17][18] After a hard-fought match between Sidakov and Kentchadze, Sidakov won by the score of 2*-2; winning by criteria; the gold medal; first place on the podium and his first senior world title.[19]
2019
editIn 2019, World Champion Sidakov returned to the annually held Ivan Yarygin tournament in Krasnoyarsk. Zaurbek stormed his way into the finals, where he wrestled against Yakup Gor of Turkey, whom he defeated 5–4 to capture the gold medal.[20]
In March, Sidakov was part of the Russian team at the Freestyle Wrestling World Cup held in Yakutsk. Sidakov, who was part of the first team, faced four-time World Championships medalist, Geandry Garzon of Cuba, whom Sidakov quickly dispatched by fall as a result of a well-timed cradle from a defended single leg. In Sidakov's second match, he wrestled Iranian Reza Afzali, whom Sidakov defeated by 6–0. Russia would then go on to win the World Cup with a score of 9–1 against Iran.[citation needed]
2019 European Games
editSidakov was then placed on the Russian squad to wrestle at the 2019 European Games held in the capital of Belarus, Minsk. Entering into the tournament, Sidakov first met rival Avtandil Kentchadze of Georgia, who he defeated by the score of 5–3.[21] In the semi-finals, Sidakov faced Azamat Nurykau and defeated him by a score of 6–4.[22] In the final, Sidakov wrestled with three-time European Champion and World medalist, Soner Demirtaş of Turkey. After a minute of hand-fighting, Sidakov would shoot a single-leg causing Demirtas to sprawl out, after turning away, Sidakov would lock in a cradle and would go on to pin Demirtaş, declaring Sidakov the victory by fall, giving Sidakov the gold medal at the European Games.[citation needed]
2019 World Championships
editAt the 2019 World Championships, Sidakov first defeated Mexican representative, Victor Hernandez, by a technical fall, 10–0. He went on defeating Kamil Rybycki 8–0 and Mao Okui, Japanese Academic World medalist, in the quarter-finals by a score of 6–0. In the semi-finals, Sidakov faced four-time World Champion and former Olympic Champion, Jordan Burroughs – a rematch of the 2018 World Wrestling Championships quarter-finals – and won in the same fashion as he did in 2018, by a last-second step-out to score 4–3. In 2019, Sidakov once again defeated Burroughs with a last-second step-out and after a failed challenge for a score of 4–3.[23]
In what would be a rematch of the 2018 World Championships semi-finals, Sidakov faced two-time World Champion, Frank Chamizo, in the final. Sidakov used his tie-ups and hand-fighting to control most of the match, leaving Chamizo without any scoring chances; Chamizo was put on the shot-clock giving Sidakov a one-point lead for passivity at the half-way point. In the second period, Chamizo found a way to a single leg takedown and finish it for two-points to lead by a score of 2–1. After being down, Sidakov almost immediately began applying more pressure and managed to get a takedown of his own around 20 seconds later; leading 3–2, in the last twenty seconds, he would land another brief two-point takedown and defended his world title by a score of 5–2, ultimately resulting in Sidakov become a two-time Wrestling World Champion.[24] Following his victory at the World Championships, Sidakov dedicated his victory to all those deceased as a result of the 2004 Beslan terrorist school attack.[25]
2020
edit2020 Russian National Championships
editFollowing the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many of the wrestling tournaments had been cancelled nationally and internationally; thus Sidakov's first tournament in over a year would be at the 2020 Russian National Freestyle Wrestling Championships. In Sidakov's first match in over a year, he would suffer a shock upset defeat to teammate and friend, Khetag Tsabolov and lose 9–3; with Tsabolov reaching the final, Sidakov would be pulled into repechage. Sidakov would be faced with Azamat Khadzaragov of the same republic (North Ossetia-Alania), Sidakov was the victor by technical fall, which would allow him to the chance to wrestle for one of the two bronze medals. Opposite Sidakov, was 2016 world champion, Magomed Kurbanaliev, whom was defeated by the score of 9–1 – resulting in a bronze medal for Sidakov.[26]
2021
edit
2021 Russian National Championships
editFollowing Sidakov's unsuccessful 2020 National championships run, he would return at the 2021 national championships held in Ulan-Ude, Buryatia. Sidakov would start his run with a fall win over Khanty-Mansiysk's Tsyrenov, followed by a 4–0 shut-out against Dagestan representative Dzhaparov. In the quarter-final, Sidakov would be matched up with Dagestan's Kurbanaliev, whom Sidakov defeated by the score of 5–3; the semi-final consisted of a match-up with Kabardino-Balkaria's Timur Bizhoev, which was a tightly fought match; ultimately decided by Sidakov's strong defense and ability to keep a lead with a 5–3 win. In the final match, Sidakov faced Dagestan representative Razambek Zhamalov, who trains under the Saitiev brothers, in Khasavyurt. In what would be the closest match of Sidakov's run, two push-outs were scored within the last 15 seconds, giving Sidakov a 2*-2 criteria lead, and a failed challenge from Zhamalov's team gave Sidakov the 3–2 win and his third Russian National title.[27] With the win at the 2021 Russian Nationals, Sidakov would be chosen to represent the Russian Olympic Committee at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics,[28] which would be rescheduled for 2021, because of the ongoing pandemic.
2021 Sassari International Tournament
editAlmost two months prior to the start of the Olympic games, Sidakov and most of the Russian National team would be sent to the Sassari City International to gain some pre-Olympic experience; Sidakov would win the gold medal after winning his three matches by two tech-falls and a pin.[citation needed]
2020 Tokyo Olympics
editWith his gold medal and first place win at the 2021 Russian National Championships, Sidakov successfully qualified for the 2020 Summer Olympics held in Tokyo, with a third place seed. On August 5, in the round of 8, Sidakov was matched up with former Olympian, Augusto Midana of Guinea-Bissau, who was defeated by a 12–2 tech-fall, resulting in a successful Olympic debut. In the quarter-final, Uzbekistan's two-time Asian Champion, and Asian Games Champion, Bekzod Abdurakhmonov stood in the way; after a fairly competitive, Sidakov would be declared the winner with a 12–6 score; advancing Sidakov to the semi-final, opposite second seeded, Daniyar Kaisanov of Kazakhstan. Sidakov would fairly easily dispatch of Kaisanov by a 11–0 tech-fall,[29] resulting in an advancement into the 74 kg finals opposite former Russian, and now Belarusian representative, Magomedkhabib Kadimagomedov.[30] In the final against Kadimagomedov, Sidakov controlled ties and always had strong wrist control, which rendered Kadimagomedov's strong over-hook offense ineffective and never afforded his opponent to get in a good shooting position; Sidakov would win by 7–0,[31] accumulating one passivity point, a takedown, a cradle attempt and two push-outs to win the gold medal.[32][33]
2022
editTo start 2022, Sidakov wrestled at the Ivan Poddubny Wrestling League, defeating Azamat Nurykau and teammates, Chermen Valiev and David Baev in the process to capture gold. In the final match against Baev, Sidakov sustained a knee injury which would render him unable to compete for most of 2022.[34]
Sidakov returned at the Dmitry Korkin Memorial where he defeated Kurban Shiraev in the final, winning the gold medal.[35]
2023
editSidakov started the wrestling season with a gold medal at the Ivan Yarygin Golden Grand Prix after defeating Timur Bizhoev 4-0 in the final.[36][37]
Sidakov planned to wrestle at the Russian National Championships, held in Kaspiysk, Dagestan, but had to withdraw due to illness.[38] Instead, Sidakov returned at the Commonwealth Cup, held in his home of Vladikavkaz, North Ossetia-Alania. Despite making it to the final, Sidakov suffered a shocking defeat to Timur Bizhoev.[39]
Despite the loss, Sidakov was able to compete for the 74 kg spot on the national team that would be sent to the 2023 World Championships. Sidakov wrestled against 2023 Russian National Champion, Chermen Valiev.[40] In a tightly contested match, Sidakov defeated his teammate by the score 3-2,[41] winning a ticket to the 2023 World Wrestling Championships.
2023 World Championships
editDue to not being able to compete, Sidakov was unseeded going into the World Championships. To start the championships, Sidakov beat Avtandil Kentchadze in a 8-7 wild match. He then defeated Bekzod Abdurakhmonov 3-0 in the round of 16, then beating Younes Emami 6-0 in the round of 8. In the quarter-final Sidakov took on 2014 World Champion and former teammate, Khetag Tsabolov, defeating the Serbian-transfer by 6-4 in a competitive match.[42] Sidakov then faced former U23 World Champion, Turan Bayramov in the semi-final; however, Sidakov defeated the Azeri wrestler 5-1, thus winning an Olympic quota and setting up a highly anticipated final with Kyle Dake.[43][44]
In the final, Sidakov wrestled 4x World Champion and Olympic Bronze Medallist, Kyle Dake which resulted in a 17-point exhilarating final. After a passivity point and takedown from Sidakov answered by a push-out and takedown by Dake, Dake was up by criteria going into the last minute. Sidakov shot for a takedown, scoring two on an exposure; Dake responded with his own questionable exposure for two; Sidakov again with an exposure and reversal point, giving him three; Dake then scored his own exposure to end the exchange and Sidakov was up 8-7 after a challenge from Dake's team. Dake then tried a desperate attack with five seconds left, which resulted in Sidakov rolling Dake over his own back, giving Sidakov a further two points and after another challenge, Sidakov won the match by the score 10-7,[45] and in the process, winning a third world title.[46]
Freestyle record
edit
References
edit- ^ a b c SIDAKOV Zaurbek Archived 15 September 2021 at the Wayback Machine. olympics.com
- ^ Dzilihova, K.M.; Dzgoeva, Z.G.; Kaloeva, Z.D.; Dzgoeva, M.G.; Sozaeva, Z.Yu.; Karyaeva, S.K.; Chikhtisova, R.A. (10 April 2019). "Comprehensive Assessment of the Health Status of Young Children Born by Mothers with Primary Arterial Hypotension". Pediatria. Journal Named After G.N. Speransky. 98 (2): 286–287. doi:10.24110/0031-403x-2019-98-2-286-287. ISSN 0031-403X.
- ^ "Борцы из Осетии внесли вклад в победу на Кубке европейских наций". Рамблер/спорт (in Russian). Retrieved 12 August 2018.
- ^ "СИДАКОВ Заурбек Казбекович | Российские спортсмены и специалисты | Спортивная Россия". infosport.ru (in Russian). Retrieved 12 August 2018.
- ^ Vinay. "Sidakov wins World Championships showdown with Dake; Micic, Aitmukhan claim historic golds". United World Wrestling. Retrieved 19 September 2023.
- ^ "Міністерство молоді та спорту України - Відкритий лист українських атлетів". mms.gov.ua (in Ukrainian). Retrieved 8 September 2024.
- ^ "Борец из Беслана поделился воспоминаниями о трагедии". NEWS.ru (in Russian). Retrieved 28 October 2019.
- ^ Dmukhovskaya, Marina. "Artur Naifonov: from Beslan school siege survivor to Olympic medallist". Olympics.com. Retrieved 10 August 2024.
- ^ "Заурбек Сидаков: после взвешивания пришёл в номер, лег и подумал, что можно здесь выиграть — Федерация спортивной борьбы России". wrestrus.ru. Retrieved 13 August 2018.
- ^ "Спорт на Урале – Сидаков Заурбек Казбекович". sportufo.ru (in Russian). Retrieved 12 August 2018.
- ^ "Борцы-вольники Садулаев и Цаболов победили на Гран-при "Иван Ярыгин"". Рамблер/спорт (in Russian). Retrieved 13 August 2018.
- ^ Сайта, Администратор (28 January 2018). "Хетаг Цаболов победитель турнира "Иван Ярыгин"". Iryston Tv. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ "Заурбек Сидаков, Хетик Цаболов, Артур Найфонов и Владислав Байцаев – в финале ЧР по вольной борьбе". Россия Алания (in Russian). Retrieved 13 August 2018.
- ^ "Чемпионат России прошёл под диктовку вольников СКФО". Рамблер/спорт (in Russian). Retrieved 13 August 2018.
- ^ "Садулаев победил на ЧР по вольной борьбе в Одинцово, Цаболов проиграл в финале". Рамблер/спорт (in Russian). Retrieved 13 August 2018.
- ^ "Заурбек Сидаков стал чемпионом России по вольной борьбе | 15-Й РЕГИОН". 15-Й РЕГИОН (in Russian). 4 August 2018. Retrieved 13 August 2018.
- ^ "Russia Claims U23 Euro C'ship Team Title on the Back of Six Freestyle Golds | United World Wrestling". unitedworldwrestling.org. Retrieved 22 October 2018.
- ^ "Sidakov Stuns Burroughs and Chamizo; Deng Notches One for China". unitedworldwrestling.org (in Russian). Retrieved 19 October 2018.
- ^ "Sidakov Caps Magnificent Run with Gold, Petriashvili Repeats | United World Wrestling". unitedworldwrestling.org. Retrieved 22 October 2018.
- ^ Eric. "Russia Crowns Quartet of Freestyle Champions on Day Four, Sweeps Ivan Yariguin". United World Wrestling. Retrieved 30 August 2019.
- ^ Andrew. "Sidakov Tops Kentchadze at European Games, Two World No.1's Lose". United World Wrestling. Retrieved 30 August 2019.
- ^ Andrew. "Russia Advances 3 to European Games Finals, World Champ Uguev Falls". United World Wrestling. Retrieved 30 August 2019.
- ^ Eric. "Tynybekova Grabs Historic Gold for Kyrgyzstan at Women's 62kg; Russia Rakes in 2 Freestyle Titles". United World Wrestling. Retrieved 23 September 2019.
- ^ Eric. "Sidakov Completes Dream Run to 2nd Straight 74kg Title; Petriashvili 3-peats at 125kg". United World Wrestling. Retrieved 23 September 2019.
- ^ "Борец Сидаков посвятил победу на чемпионате мира памяти жертв Беслана". ТАСС. Retrieved 28 October 2019.
- ^ "Заурбек Сидаков выиграл "бронзу" на чемпионате России - 15-Й РЕГИОН". 15-Й РЕГИОН - Информационный портал РСО - Алания (in Russian). 17 October 2020. Retrieved 23 September 2023.
- ^ "Чемпион России борец Сидаков признался, что собирался на финал как на последний бой". ТАСС. Retrieved 11 August 2021.
- ^ "Заурбек Сидаков стал трехкратным чемпионом России по вольной борьбе". Государственное информационное агентство "Рес" (in Russian). 13 March 2021. Retrieved 11 August 2021.
- ^ Legare, Andrew. "Kyle Dake turns focus to bronze after quarterfinal setback at Tokyo Olympics". Star-Gazette. Retrieved 11 August 2021.
- ^ "Russian freestyle wrestler Sidakov to fight for Olympic gold in men's under-74kg final". TASS. Retrieved 11 August 2021.
- ^ Olympics, N. B. C. (6 August 2021). "ROC's Zaurbek Sidakov wins 74kg gold 7–0 in Olympic debut". KTVZ. Retrieved 11 August 2021.
- ^ Agency (6 August 2021). "Tokyo Olympics: Russia Zaurbek Sidakov wins GOLD in men's freestyle welterweight category". InsideSport. Retrieved 11 August 2021.
- ^ "Olympic gold for Ossetia. Zaurbek Sidakov is the favorite of the wrestling tournament". vestnikkavkaza.net. Retrieved 11 August 2021.
- ^ "Сидаков и Найфонов выиграли международный турнир по вольной борьбе". ALANIA FIGHTING TEAM (in Russian). 25 May 2022. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ "Олимпийский чемпион Заурбек Сидаков стал победителем турнира Дмитрия Коркина в Якутске". Новости Якутии и Якутска — свежие новости онлайн на сайте ysia.ru — ЯСИА (in Russian). 29 October 2022. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ ПОСЕЛЬСКИЙ, Александр (31 January 2023). "Победители и призеры Ярыгинского-2023". Sportyakutia.ru - Все о спортивных событиях в Якутии, Борьба, Бокс/ММА, Футбол, Этноспорт и другие виды спорта (in Russian). Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ "Борец Заурбек Сидаков выиграл международный турнир Гран-при "Иван Ярыгин" - 15-Й РЕГИОН". 15-Й РЕГИОН - Информационный портал РСО - Алания (in Russian). 29 January 2023. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ "Борец Заурбек Сидаков пропустит чемпионат России - 15-Й РЕГИОН". 15-Й РЕГИОН - Информационный портал РСО - Алания (in Russian). 19 June 2023. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ "Сидаков стал вторым на "Кубке Содружества" по вольной борьбе - 15-Й РЕГИОН". 15-Й РЕГИОН - Информационный портал РСО - Алания (in Russian). 28 July 2023. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ "Чермен Валиев стал двукратным чемпионом России по вольной борьбе - 15-Й РЕГИОН". 15-Й РЕГИОН - Информационный портал РСО - Алания (in Russian). 22 June 2023. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ ПОСЕЛЬСКИЙ, Александр (20 August 2023). "Абдулрашид Садулаев и Заурбек Сидаков выиграли прикидки в Сириусе". Sportyakutia.ru - Все о спортивных событиях в Якутии, Борьба, Бокс/ММА, Футбол, Этноспорт и другие виды спорта (in Russian). Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ Vinay. "2023 Wrestling World Championships 57kg, 74kg, 79kg, 92kg semis set". United World Wrestling. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ Vinay. "Micic beats Olympic, world champs to set up Higuchi final; Dake takes on Sidakov". United World Wrestling. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ Hamilton, Andy (17 September 2023). "It's On: Kyle Dake vs. Zaurbek Sidakov Set For Monday In World Finals". FloWrestling. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ Vinay. "Sidakov wins World Championships showdown with Dake; Micic, Aitmukhan claim historic golds". United World Wrestling. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ "Kyle Dake takes silver at wrestling worlds; Snyder, Sadulayev stunned". NBC Sports. 18 September 2023. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
Notes
edit- ^ Russian: Заурбек Казбекович Сидаков
pronounced [zəʊrˈbʲek sʲɪˈdakəf]
Ossetian: Сидахъаты Хъазыбеджы-фырт Зауырбег, romanized: Sidakati Kazibejifirt Zaurbeg
External links
edit- Zaurbek Sidakov at the International Wrestling Database
- Zaurbek Sidakov at Olympedia
