Palau wrestler Tulop Elwais made an early exit in his Olympic debut when he was defeated by three-time world champion Hamid Soryan of Iran in the quarterfinals of men's Greco-Roman 60kg category.

Elwasi, the reigning Oceania champion, held Soryan off for more than a minute before he slipped into the red zone of the mat. Victory was eventually awarded to Soryan on points by the referee.

"Everybody here is strong and everyone is talented", said Elwais. "Only the wrestler who trains hardest is going to win the gold."

Elwais said he would continue to prepare himself for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

"It is my first Olympics and I am looking forward to my next because I'm young," said the 23-year-old.

"The Oceania Championships are coming again and I hope to compete there and hold the title again."

(Xinhua News Agency August 12, 2008)