Fausz Advances to U23 World Championships Final

USA Wrestling Recap

BUCHAREST, ROMANIA – With three wins today, R-Sr. Sean Fausz has advanced to the finals of the U23 World Championships in Bucharest, Romania.

The finals will be held on Sunday at 11 a.m. (ET). Fausz will take on 2018 U23 European champion Magomedrasul Idirsov of Russia for gold.

"Well, I got fourth at the U23 Trials, so I shouldn't even be here, but I got the call to represent the U.S., and I couldn't pass up that opportunity," Fausz told USA Wrestling. "I had limited training for this, but I came out with the mindset of giving it my all and having some fun. So far, it's paid off."

SEAN FAUSZ, U23 WORLD FINALIST!! Gritty, 2-0 semifinal win over 2x Junior World Champ from Iran. @TheGenghis_Sean @PackWrestle @WolfpackWC @PackAthletics pic.twitter.com/LFNg19V8Ky
— Adam Hall (@coachhallstar) November 17, 2018

Competing this weekend at 61kg in freestyle, Fausz went 3-0 in his first international tournament since 2013.

After a first round bye, Fausz made quick work in his opening match scoring a 12-2 tech over Bodnarchuk of Canada.

In the quarterfinals, Fausz earned a 9-4 decision over Liu of China.

In the semifinals, Fausz earned his trip to the finals with a 2-0 win over Sadeghikouka of Iran, who is a two-time Junior World Champion.

Fausz scored both points in the first period, coming from a passivity point and a failed challenge from Iran. Several scrambles ensued throughout the match, but Fausz showed his smarts and poise to hold on for the win.

North Carolina State's Sean Fausz is headed to the U23 World finals. The @PackWrestle senior defeated Iran's Iman Sadeghikoukande 2-0 in the 61-kilogram semis. pic.twitter.com/iOOd12P8Ae
— Trackwrestling (@trackwrestling) November 17, 2018

Fausz, who took fourth at the U23 World Team Trials and is serving as an alternate, and battled his way to the 61 kg finals.

Fausz is one of three Americans that made the finals in the 10 weight classes.

Players Mentioned

Sean Fausz

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