OMAHA, NE — After waiting in the wings while his finals match competitor was decided, Vito Arujau faced off against Marcus Blaze in the best-of-three match on Sunday to try to wrestle his way back to the World Championships.

Arujau took two straight matches over Blaze in the best-of-three finals at 61 kg. In round one, Arujau defeated Blaze by VPO1 2-1. In round 2, Arujau secured his victory and spot on Team USA defeating Blaze by VPO1 3-1.

Arujau is currently the defending World Champion at 61 kg and will now have the chance to defend his gold medal with Team USA at the Non-Olympic World Championships.

Joining Arujau at the World Championships will be fellow Cornellian Joshua Saunders who will compete in the U23 field at 65 kg.

The Non-Olympic World Championships will be held in Tirana, Albania October 28-31.