Multiple-times Commonwealth Games gold medalist wrestler Vinesh Phogat has surprised fans and neutrals alike by qualifying for the semi-finals of the women’s 50kg freestyle division event in the ongoing Paris Olympics 2024. She is slated to face Yusneylys Guzman of Cuba on the night of Tuesday (August 6).
Phogat’s journey to the all-important clash has been quite a spectacular one, as the 29-year-old wrestler caused the upset of the tournament when she defeated World No. 1 Yui Sasaki of Japan in the Round-of-16 bout by a scoreline of 3-2. Armed with nerves of steel and quick agility, Phogat became the first international wrestler to defeat the top-seeded Sasaki in a professional match.
Phogat then continued her fine form, defeating Ukraine’s Oksana Livach – a former World Championships bronze medalist – by a scoreline of 7-5. With yet another upset victory, Phogat secured her place in the Paris Olympics 2024 semi-finals, just two wins away from a historic gold medal.
Meanwhile, Phogat’s opponent on the mat, Yusneylys Guzman, defeated Turkey’s Demirhan Yuvaz by 7-6 on points in the Round-of-16 clash and then beat Lithuania’s Gabija Dilyte on technical superiority by 10-0.
Phogat has the experience of facing Yusneylys Guzman in the opening round of the Spain Grand Prix in July. The Indian wrestler came out on top in that clash, defeating her opponent 3-1 to forge a gold medal-winning campaign.
Vinesh Phogat vs Yusneylys Guzman Match Details
Match Details: Vinesh Phogat vs Yusneylys Guzman, Semi-finals, Paris Olympics 2024
Date and Time: Tuesday, August 6, 10:13 pm IST
Venue: Champ-de-Mars Arena Mat B
Vinesh Phogat vs Yusneylys Guzman Prediction
Yusneylys Guzman will be the favorite coming into the match. The Pan American Games gold medalist is coming on the back of strong performances in the last two years. Guzman is also the higher ranked among the two wrestlers, holding the 12th spot in the 50kg world rankings against Phogat’s rank of 65.
However, the Indian wrestling star is already on a roll in this ongoing Summer Olympic Games, and combined with her previous experience of defeating Guzman, she will be confident of her chances of causing yet another upset in the semi-final clash.
When and where to watch the game
Indian viewers can watch the Vinesh Phogat vs Yusneylys Guzman clash live on the JioCinema website and app. They can also opt for the Sports 18 Network TV channels to see the crucial match live. The match will start at 10:13 pm IST.