Kayaalp claims his third world title

Kayaalp claims his third world title

PARIS
Turkish Greco-Roman wrestler Rıza Kayaalp became the second Turk this week to win gold at the World Championships in Paris, beating Estonia’s Heiki Nabi in the 130-kilogram category final on Aug. 22.

Twenty-eight-year-old Kayaalp beat Nabi 2-1 on the second day of the event, securing a third world championship title. Kayaalp, a six-time European champion also won an Olympic bronze at the London 2012 games.

He was to miss the 2013 World Championships after being suspended for six months by world wrestling governing body for racist remarks targeting Armenians and Greeks in August 2013, but claimed silver at the event when his suspension was delayed until after the tournament.

Atakan Yüksel, another Turkish wrestler, won bronze on Aug. 22 in the 66-kg category, beating Iranian Hossein Elyasi 2-1.

Turkish wrestler Metehan Başar won gold on Monday by beating Germany’s Denis Maksymilian Kudla in the 85-kg category final.