A superior number of classification points for Azerbaijan, 18 to Russia's 17, proved decisive as the two had finished level in the match at 4-4. 

Islam Abbasov's victory against Davit Chakvetadze in the 85 kilogram match was arguably the defining moment of the encounter, as he converted a takedown attempt into an over-under pinning position and finished his opponent with a minute remaining.

Team-mate Rasul Chunayev, world-renowned for his fast spinning hips and devastating headlocks, downed 2014 world champion Chingiz Labazanov, who was disqualified for a third leg foul in the 71kg match.

Rafig Huseynov also helped the cause at the Azadi Sport Complex in the Iranian capital, winning 2-1 against 2014 world silver medallist Evgeny Saleev at 80kg, while Hasan Aliyev beat Artem Surkov 5-1 at 66 kg.

"We had good support from the Federation," said Azerbaijan head coach Jamshid Kheyrabadi.

"We got what we were earned and this was a good start for the future of Azerbaijan Greco-Roman wrestling."

Hasan Aliyev was one of Azerbaijan's four individual winners in the final ©Getty Images



Individual wins for Russia's Zaur Kabaloev, Roman Vlasov, Nikita Melnikov and Sergey Semenov proved to be in vain as the nation finished in the runners-up spot for the second consecutive year.

Earlier in the day, hosts Iran bounced back from the disappointment of missing out on the final to overcome Turkey 6-2 and claim third place. 

Mohsen Haji Poor pulled out a bear hug slam and fall against Ayhan Karakus at 59kg to set the youthful team on their way in front of more than 5,000 local supporters.

Junior Payam Boyeri also impressed at 71kg, registering an emphatic 6-0 victory against former world number one Yunus Ozel.

"It was a tough match against Turkey," said Iranian head coach Ahad Pazaj.

"The performance of our young wrestlers was more than expectations and they were a great help for us in the third-place match."

Hungary prevailed 6-2 against Sweden in the fifth-place play-off, with London 2012 silver medallist Tamas Lorincz and 2014 world champion Peter Bacsi in particularly dominant form.

In the battle for seventh-place, Germany's Deniz Menekse came back from an early five-point deficit against Armenia's Artur Mkrtchyan to win 9-8 and provide the basis for his country's surprise 6-2 win.

The UWW Women's Wrestling World Cup is due to take place in St Petersburg, Russia from March 8 to 9.

The UWW Freestyle World Cup, meanwhile, is scheduled to be held in Los Angeles on April 11 and 12.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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February 2015: Azerbaijan reach first-ever Greco-Roman World Cup final as hosts Iran falter