Fresh Faces vs. Seasoned Climbers: An Epic Showdown at Wujiang
In a thrilling display of athleticism and determination, the men’s climbing competition at Wujiang has culminated in an electrifying scene where new talent faces off against seasoned competitors. With nine climbers achieving the remarkable feat of topping both routes, this event has solidified its reputation in the world of competitive climbing.
Stars of the Competition
Olympic champions Toby Roberts from Great Britain and Spain’s Alberto Ginés López showcased their exceptional skills, qualifying for the finals alongside Japan’s Anraku Sorato. Sorato was not alone in his achievement, as he was one of three Japanese climbers, including Suzuki Neo and Yoshida Satone, all of whom topped their routes.
Roberts radiated enthusiasm after his qualification run, stating, “Qualification went really well, I managed to get two tops. I got quite pumped; it definitely feels like I haven’t been on a rope for a while. But I know my Lead shape is good, and this feels like a good activation for the semi-final tomorrow. I’m really excited to see what I can do.”
A Benchmark Set by Filip Schenk
Italy’s Filip Schenk took to the stage as the first men’s semi-finalist, a position he embraced with surprising confidence. His impressive score of 49+ became the benchmark for the round, leading to a suspenseful wait as 23 climbers followed, many unable to surpass his mark.
Reflecting on his unexpected success, Schenk remarked, “I was the first out and for sure I didn’t expect to make final. After I finished, I thought maybe the route was very easy and there would be a lot of tops. But then I saw some pretty strong climbers falling, and slowly I started believing in it.”
Overcoming Adversity
Injuries are part of the sport, yet sometimes they can lead to surprising resilience. Schenk, having recently come back from a serious injury, expressed how this break worked in his favor. “The semi-final was crazy for me. I’m coming out of a very bad period with an injury, so I think I was really relaxed mentally. Because of that, I could show my best climbing in a really good flow, and I really enjoyed it. It was amazing.”
Schenk’s score remained unbeaten but was later matched by Japan’s Anraku Sorato and Alberto Ginés López, relegating Schenk to third on countback—still a significant achievement placing him securely in the finals.
Japanese Dominance and Local Support
Japan demonstrated its climbing prowess with a remarkable three climbers—Anraku, Yoshida, and Suzuki—qualifying for the finals. The enthusiasm of the crowd was palpable as Pan Yufei secured the sixth spot, also matching the 47+ score shared by Satone and Suzuki, ensuring robust local support.
Final Spots Fill with European Climbing Favorites
In the race for the last two spots, Slovenia’s Luka Potocar claimed seventh with a stellar climb of 46 holds, while Germany’s Yannick Flohe rounded out the top eight with a score of 45. Additionally, this competition marked a personal best for South Korea’s Shin Joonha, finishing 23rd overall.
For detailed results, check the complete men’s Lead standings here.
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This event promises to be a spectacle to remember, where the exhilarating clash of fresh talent and experienced climbers illuminates the sport of competitive climbing. Don’t miss out on the action as these athletes vie for glory!
