Krastanov and Stadnik finish fifth at worlds

GREAT Britain's Krasimir Krastanov and Yana Stadnik registered fifth place finishes in their respective competitions at the World Championships in Herning, Denmark.

Bulgarian-born Krastanov lost out 5-3 to Ridzan Gadzhiev in his 55kg bronze medal match.

Krastanov had lost to the North Korea's Kyong Il-yan in the last 16 but, because he lost to the eventual champion, he was able to compete for one of the two bronze medals.

He went on to overhaul Naranbaatar Bayaraa of Mongola and Mykola Aivazian of Ukraine, before losing to Gadzhiev.

"No medal, but fifth in the world is a fantastic achievement," said GB Wrestling chairman Malcolm Morley.

Stadnik lost to her Azerbaijani sister-in-law Mariya Stadnyk in the 48kg division.

The 22-year-old defeated opponents from India, Tunisia and Canada before also losing to the eventual gold medallist.

"We're very proud of Yana and the success of her and Krasi is a real boost to the squad," added Morley.

Meanwhile, Leon Rattigan went out in controversial fashion against Germany's Oldrik Wagner in the 96kg division. 

Rattigan was declared the winner but, following protests from Wagner's corner, was made to fight, and lose, an extra round.

Michael Grundy, fighting at 74kg, was eliminated in the second round while 60kg fighter Jatinder Rakhra lost to Russia's Besik Kudukhov, who went on to win gold, with Rakhra losing his first round match in the repechage.