Bogd Khan Mountain, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia: Altaibaatar Batsaikhan underlined his reputation as one of his country’s leading golfers with victory in the 19th edition of the Mongolian National Amateur Open Championship.

With a three-day total of 241 in the weather-hit tournament, Batsaikhan finished six strokes clear of his closest rival at Mt Bogd Golf and Country Club, located in the Bogd Khan Mountain region about 13 kilometres to the southeast of downtown Ulaanbaatar.

It was a memorable win for Batsaikhan, who represented Mongolia at last year’s Asia-Pacific Men’s Amateur Team Championship for the Nomura Cup in the Philippines.

At the half-way stage at Mt Bogd Golf and Country Club, Batsaikhan trailed his Nomura Cup team-mate Mungunshagai Gantsolmon by six shots. But following rounds of 76 and 78, Gantsolmon came unstuck with an uncharacteristically error-strewn 97.

Meanwhile, with a second successive 81 to follow an opening 79, it was Batsaikhan who moved to the top of the leaderboard – a position from which he would not be dislodged after the final round was cancelled due to inclement weather.

As well as Batsaikhan’s success, the championship was notable on two other counts.

For the first time, the event was included for World Amateur Golf Ranking points while Chief Referee Joyce Lam was one of two Singaporeans who officiated at the championship.

Margad Jambaldorj, General Secretary of the Mongolian Golf Association, said: “The Mongolian National Amateur Open Championship is the most important event on our golfing calendar.

“We look forward to welcoming more internationally-ranked players to compete in the championship in the years ahead.”