New Delhi,
Rio Olympics gold medallist Helen Maroulis and Harphool registered contrasting wins as Haryana Hammers kicked off their Pro Wrestling League campaign by beating new entrants Veer Marathas 5-2 here today.

Maroulis and Harphool won the fifth and sixth bouts, respectively, to give last edition’s runners-up an unassailable 4-2 lead. Khetik Tsabolov then overpowered Parveen Rana 10-0 in the last match.

In the high-profile clash of the day, Helen took on Rio Olympics bronze medallist Marwa Amri of Tunisia in the women’s 57 kg competition. It turned out to be a lopsided affair, with the US wrestler winning 9-1 by fall.

The bout between Amit Dhankar and Harphool in the 65 kg turned out to be the most exciting duel of the night. The bout ended 5-5 but Harphool was adjudged the winner by virtue of winning the last point.

Haryana blocked Levan Berianidze of Armenia in the 125 kg. Marathas took Rio Olympics bronze medallist Sun Yanan of China out of the equation.