Mesoporous CuO particles threaded with carbon nanotubes are suggested as a novel class of nanocomposite material for a high-performance anode in the lithium-ion batteries. The nanocomposite electrode exhibits a highly reversible capacity (650 mA h g-1 at 0.1 C rate) and an excellent C rate capability (580 mA h g-1 at 5 C, and 500 mA h g-1 at 10 C).