World and Olympic medalist Moon Eui-Jae to lead Korean team at the Northern Quest 2002 World Cup of
<< Back to Articles
Gary Abbott (USA Wrestling)
03/26/2002
Asian power Korea has announced its lineup for the Northern Quest 2002 World Cup of Wrestling, set for April 6-7 at the Spokane Arena in Spokane, Wash. Korea, traditionally one of the world's strongest freestyle wrestling teams, will be displaying many talents in Spokane who could be contenders for their 2004 Olympic team. The most experienced and internationally acclaimed member of their World Cup team is 2000 Olympic silver medalist Moon Eui-Jae at 84 kg/185 lbs. Moon has moved up in weight from 167.5 pounds, where he became a world star. He placed second in the 2001 World Championships, to go along with another World silver medal in 1998. He also has placed fifth and sixth in previous World Championship events. Moon was the 1998 Asian Games champion, and was a 1995 Junior World silver medalist. Two members of the Korean team also competed in the 2001 World Championships: Kang Dong-Guk at 97 kg/211.5 lbs. and Jung Chun-Mo at 120 kg/264.5 lbs. Kang just missed a Top 10 placement, finishing 11th, while Jung placed 19th. Kang boasts a silver medal at the 2000 World University Championships, as well. Jung attends Cho Sun University. The top newcomer to the Korean lineup is Choi Kwon-Sub at 74 kg/163 lbs., who was a 1999 Junior World Champion. Choi also placed for Korea in the 1998 Junior World Championships and the 1998 Junior Asian Championships. He is a member of the Han Nam University club. Two other Korean wrestlers who have participated at the Junior World Championships will be on the 2002 World Cup team, Kim Jong-Dae at 55 kg/121 lbs. and Hwang Hyan-Wung at 60 kg/132 lbs. Kim is a student at the Korea Sports University, while Hwang attends Kwan Dong University. Also competing on the Korean team will be Baek Jim-Kuk at 66 kg/145.5 lbs. Korea is one of five international wrestling powers competing at the Northern Quest 2002 World Cup of Wrestling. Other nations include the United States, Russia, Germany and Canada. The Quad State Cup, a USA Wrestling event for athletes from Kids through Open, will be held alongside the World Cup. Young wrestlers can do both - wrestle and watch! For information, contact Craig Hanson at (509)226-0765 or Dale Imes at (509)226-3715. Fanfest will be the activity and hospitality gathering area just for fans at the Northern Quest 2002 World Cup of Wrestling. Meet with your friends before and between sessions. This will be a place to gather autographs, get souvenirs and see the latest in equipment and innovations in wrestling. It will be free and tons of fun!! Join the festivities at the SeasonTicket directly north of the Arena. Single session tickets are now on sale and range in price from $13-26. Call 1-800-325-SEAT or go to the web site at www.ticketswest.com. An all session adult pass is $69 while an all-session youth pass is $59. Groups of 10 or more receive a $4 discount per ticket. USA Wrestling members, Military Personnel and Seniors 55 and older receive a $2 discount per ticket. No multiple combination of discounts will be accepted. The headquarters hotel is the Doubletree Spokane City Center. Call 509-455-9600 and ask for the World Cup rate. For additional information, contact Star USA at 509-448-6829. KOREA WORLD CUP TEAM 55 kg/121 lbs. - Kim Jong-Dae 60 kg/132 lbs. - Hwang Hyan-Wung 66 kg/145.5 lbs. - Baek Jim-Kuk 74 kg/163 lbs. - Choi Kwon-Sub 84 kg/185 lbs. - Moon Eui-Jae 97 kg/211.5 lbs. - Kang Dong-Guk 120 kg/264.5 lbs. - Jung Chun-Mo Note: Each day this week, TheMat.com will announce an international team lineup for the 2002 World Cup. Tomorrow: Canada.