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Men’s 85kg: Asia’s superiority will be challenged in this class

Athens silver medalist Andrei Rybakou of Belarus now has the chance to fulfill his dream of Olympic gold. The 26-year old has been enjoying excellent form in recent years, winning 2006 and 2007 World Championships, as well as the 2006 European Championships.
Rybakou’s best challenger would be Tigran Varban Martirosyan of Armenia who won this year’s European Championships. He was also the bronze medalist in 2006 World Championships. The 25-year old has a entry total weight of 382kg, 8kg lower than Rybakou.

China’s hope of gold medal in this weight class lies on 22-year old Lu Yong who took the silver medal in 2005 World Championships. He had a sprain injury during 2007 World Championships which is believed to be fully cured. He has same total entry weight as Rybakou.

Other possible medalists are Vladimir Sedov (entry total: 386kg) of Kazakhstan, Mansurbek Chashemov (entry total: 380kg) of Uzbekistan and Edgar Gevorgyan (entry total: 377kg) of Armenia.(BOCOG)