Much of Nicaragua's success today came in sambo ©Managua 2017

Hosts Nicaragua were the strongest-performing nation on the penultimate day of action at the 2017 Central American Games in Managua, winning 16 gold medals in all.

Much of the home country's success came in sambo with Frankling Lopez among their winners.

He came out on top in the men's 71 kilograms category ahead of Panama's Jose Toscano. 

There were also home triumphs for Javier López in the men's 57kg, Antenor Jirón in the men's 68kg and Ronaldo Ortiz in the men's 82kg.

López and Jirón won their gold medals at the expense of Hondurans Carlos Martínez and Carlos Cantarero respectively.

Ortiz, meanwhile, prevailed over Guatemala's Osman Estrada.

Nicaragua's last title was won by Kevin Coffin after he beat Panama's Jean Córdoba in the men's 90kg final.

They finished top of the sambo medal standings with 12 golds, five silvers and two bronzes.

Nicaragua won five of the seven gold medals on offer today in billiard sports ©Managua 2017
Nicaragua won five of the seven gold medals on offer today in billiard sports ©Managua 2017

Nicaragua also finished first in the billiard sports medal standings having added five more golds to their tally today.

Their quintet of victories included successes in the women's eight-ball, nine-ball and 10-ball team events.

It meant they finished on a total of 20 medals - 10 golds, four silvers and six bronzes.

Guatemala lead the overall medal standings with 101 golds, 87 silvers and 82 bronzes.

Costa Rica are second with 66 golds, 59 silvers and 45 bronzes.

Third place is occupied by Nicaragua with 63 golds, 77 silvers and 75 bronzes.

Action in Managua is scheduled to conclude tomorrow.

It will mark the end of 15 days of competition.