Note: All this week at DGUSA.tv we will preview each first round match in the tournament to crown the first Open The Freedom Gate Champion on November 28th in Philadelphia at The Arena. This is the first of four installments. Please leave your comments on this match at the end of this article.

Davey Richards vs. YAMATO has been dubbed the "Next Level" first round match. They each sport a 1-0 record in DGUSA singles matches. They both have emerged as top stars in their respective countries this year. They need the Open The Freedom Gate Title to cap off their incredible 2009s and end the year at the next level.

This can be considered the most intriguing first round match. Davey Richards and YAMATO both can be considered the favorite to win it all, but one will be eliminated in the first round. In fact, oddsmakers even gave 2-1 odds to both Richards and YAMATO to become the champion. These two match up very evenly when it comes to in ring style, attitude, charisma and rise in this sport.
This is why DGUSA officials booked them to face each other.

Why Richards will win: You can make a strong argument for him to be the most outstanding and best technical wrestler this year. Richards will look to counter YAMATO's MMA influenced style with hard kicks and submission moves. Richards also holds the aerial advantage over YAMATO.

Why YAMATO will win: YAMATO has emerged as a top star in Dragon Gate this year and winning his first major title in the United States will only cement his status as a main player. YAMATO kicked off DGUSA by winning the first ever match. YAMATO's aggressive attitude will prevent Richards from bringing the fight to him. YAMATO will look to set the tone and make Richards play his game.

This first time ever bout is a true pick 'em. It promises to be a hard-hitting battle of strikes, submissions, suplexes and just plain incredible pro wrestling. DGUSA officials have decided that this match will be the main event of the first round, meaning it will go on last. Please leave a comment and let us know why you think Richards or YAMATO will win.

Tickets for Nov. 28th in Philadelphia are now on sale in the DGUSA.tv Store, by calling 267-519-9744 or GA tix are available in person at the new Jinxed store (www.AtThePiazza.com for directions).