Olympic wrestling: India's Yogeshwar loses in pre-quarters

London, Aug 11 (IANS) Indian wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt lost his pre-quarterfinal bout to Besik Kudukhov of Russia in the men's 60kg event at the 2012 London Games here Saturday.

The 30-year-old Indian survived just two periods before losing 3-0 to the reigning World Champion, who was also a bronze medallist at the 2008 Beijing Games.

Yogeshwar lost the first period 1-0 and the second 2-0. The Indian's medal hopes now depend on the Russian.

If Kudukhov goes on to win his next two bouts and qualifies for the final, Yogeshwar will qualify for Repechage Round 2 and will be fighting for the bronze medal.

Yogeshwar qualified for the pre-quarterfinal, beating Bulgarian Anatolie Ilarionovitch Guidea in the first round.

The Indian made a brilliant comeback after losing the first period to win the bout 3-1.

Guidea won the first period 1-0 but Yogeshwar did well in the second period, bagging it 2-0. Yogeshwar completely dominated the third and the final period to win it 5-2.