State-rank wrestler M. Lkhagvagerel wins CUMO Arena opening tournament in Erdenet

Mönkhtör's Lkhagvagerel, a state-rank gardi from Yaruu soum in Zavkhan Province, representing the Khilchin sports club, Border Troops unit 0208, Gem International and the Zavkhan Dayan stable, has won the 128-wrestler tournament that marked the opening of the new CUMO Arena sports and arts complex in Orkhon Province. Enkhtögs's Oyunbold, a state-rank arslan from Ömnödelger soum in Khentii, representing Autobus-1, Terguun Saruul Zam and the Khan Khentii Avarga stable, finished second.

B. Bat-Ulzii, a state-rank arslan, and N. Osokhbayar, a provincial khurts arslan, reached the semi-finals. The last-eight places included B. Zorigtbaatar, O. Munkh-Erdene, B. Davaa-Ochir and O. Bachrjargal. The Mongolian National Wrestling Federation issued the result, which was also reported by MNB, UBn.mn, 24tsag and ergelt.mn.

UBn.mn noted that this was Lkhagvagerel's second title in four days, after he won the 128-wrestler Chinggis Khaan Cup on Mongolia Pride Day, 10 November.

On the opening day a 64-wrestler tribute tournament was also held for Dayan avarga B. Orkhonbayar. State-rank zaan D. Altantsooj won and D. Khuderbulga finished second, 24tsag reported.

The arena's name comes from the chemical symbols for copper and molybdenum, Cu and Mo. Sports reports said the venue, under Erdenet Mining Corporation, has about 2,700 seats. The federation decided to add an annual CUMO Arena Cup to its October calendar, and the next bout is scheduled for 11:00 on Saturday, 21 November, as the Altan Tsom (Golden Cup). The federation also honoured J. Lkhagvasuren, long-time head of the Orkhon provincial wrestling association, and other wrestlers and coaches who helped initiate the building of the complex.