ANKARA. Oct 9: Joe Williams of the United States advanced to the semifinals of the World Freestyle Wrestling Championships Friday, pinning down Korea's Moon Eui-Jae in 5.07 minutes at 76 kg. reports AP.

Along with Williams. Turkey's Adem Bereket also advanced to the semifinals by upsetting Elsad Allahverdiyev 4-3.

Eric Guerrero ranked No 2 in the United States, at 58 kg, won his first match by technical fall. defeating Algeria's Mohamed Amine 10-0 in 1.09.

The 22-year-old Guerrero then defeated French wrestler Leprince David with 7-3 decision. Guerrero had replaced two-time World Champion Terry Brands, who is ill. He will face Todorov Sevdalin of Bulgaria in fourth round on Saturday.

1997 World Champion Les Gutches of the United States pinned Chech Rudolf Voboril in 3.31 minutes to advance at 85 kg. Gutches will face Lithunia's Egidisus Vielavicius on Saturday.

US wrestler Stephen Neal also advanced to the fourth round at 130 kg.

The championship serves as the first freestyle wrestling qualifier for the 2000 Olympics in Sydney. Australia. The top eight place winners at the 1999 World Championships qualify their nation to participate in the Olympics in their weight division.

A total of 64 Olympic berths will be determined at the end of the games on at Ankara’s Ataturk Sports Hall on Sunday.