Schlottke

After winning golds at Atlanta 1996 and Athens 2004 Olympics, Saytiev won his third in Beijing to tie the record made by Alexander Medved of former Soviet Union in 1964, 1968 and 1972.

In today's tough final, Sayteiv dropped his first period to Soslan Tigiev of Uzbekistan, but calmly scored a go-behind point in the second, and then a low single and back exposure in the third for the victory.

Despite the win, the 33-year-old Russian was not satisfied with his performance in the final.

"I got an easy win in the semifinal and that saved my energy," said Saytiev. "The final was really tough, especially at my age. I will be 37 by 2012 London Games and I'm afraid I won't even pass the Russian trial."

Saytiev's victory gave Russia its fifth wrestling gold at the Beijing Olympics.

Before Saytiev's crown, Ramazan Sahin won the 66kg final to earn Turkey the first gold at the Beijing Olympics.

The reigning world champion conceded the first period to Ukrainian Andriy Stadnik but took the next two for a 2-1 (2-2, 2-1, 2-2) victory.

"The final was the most difficult round, because my opponent was very strong," said Sahin. "I lost to him in our last encounter, but I felt quite relaxed and confident this time so I could win."

"The gold is for Turkey and the Turkish people. I would like to give my appreciation to my coach and all the people who support me," added Sahin.

Stadnik was happy to win the silver because he thought he did better than his wife, bronze medallist Mariya Stadnik of Azerbaijan in women's freestyle 48kg wrestling.

The bronze medals at 74kg went to Murad Gaidarov of Belarus and Kiril Terziev of Bulgaria.

Georgian Otar Tushishvili defeated world No. 2 Geandry Garzon of Cuba to win one 66kg bronze and Indian Sushil Kumar won another bronze to win India's second Beijing Olympic medal, which is also India's second medal in Olympic wrestling.

Kha-Shaba Jadav won India first-ever Olympic wrestling medal at men's 57kg freestyle at the 1952 Helsinki Games, which was also one bronze.

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