Khushtov wins third Greco gold for Russia

• Last Updated: August 14. 2008 5:59PM UAE / August 14. 2008 1:59PM GMT

Mirko Englich of Germany, right, fights Aslanbek Khushtov of Russia during their 96kg men's Greco-Roman wrestling final. Reuters

BEIJING // Aslanbek Khushtov won Russia’s third Greco-Roman wrestling gold medal today, turning throws in each of the two periods into a decisive victory over Mirko Englich of Germany in the 96kg category.

The bronze medals were won by Adam Wheeler, the only one of the six Americans to win a Greco medal, and Nazmi Avluca of Turkey.

Wheeler’s medal prevented the USA Greco team from being shut out in the Olympics for the first time since 1988.

Khushtov, the European champion, joins Nazyr Mankiev at 55kg and Islam-Beka Albiev at 60kg as Russian gold medallists in Greco.

Khushtov used a gut wrench to leverage Englich for a 5-point throw and a 6-0 win in the first period, then tossed him again to win the second 3-0.