The Non-Olympic Weights would contest their World Championships from October 28th to the 31st in Tirana, Albania. Quebec would have two representatives at the event as Laurence Beauregard (Montreal Wrestling Club NTC) wrestling at 59 kgs WW and Christopher Merlo (CLIC) who was competing at 61 kg FS. Coach David Zilberman, who has been a mainstay on the international coaching scene would also be in attendance.
Laurence vs. Tserenchimed Sukhee (MGL) Photo property of UWW
Laurence would be the first to step on to the mat in her quarterfinal match vs Tserenchimed Sukhee of Mongolia. The match would be a back and forth affair, with Laurence losing by points (8-8). Fortunately, Sukhee would win her subsequent matches, allowing Laurence to advance to the Repechage where she would face Alejandra Rivera Arriaga of Mexico. Laurence would win that match in dominant fashion, with a Technical Superiority score of 10-0 where she would face Alyona Kolesnik of Azerbaijan.
Laurence vs. Alejandra Rivera Arriaga (MEX) Photo property of UWW
With a win Laurence would be able to go for the Bronze Medal. Laurence would continue her impressive run with a win by Superiority (15-4) and would advance to the Bronze Medal final where she would face Mansi Mansi of India.
Laurence vs. Alyona Kolesnik (AZE) Photo property of UWW
The match would be close as Laurence would try to match her opponent. In the end, she would end up losing 5-0 and would have to settle for 5th place.
Laurence vs. Mansi (IND) Photo property of UWW
Christopher Merlo would be up next, making his World Championship debut. His first match would be against Udit Udit of India in the Qualification Round. Christoper would start the match strong, but would end up losing the match (10-0). Udit would lose his following match and as a result, Christopher would not move on to the Repechage.
Christopher vs. Udit (IND) Photo property of UWW
To even make the World Championships is an accomplishment. Congratulations has to go out to our two Quebec athletes who represented their club, province and country with distinction.
Laurence Beauregard should be proud of her performance