Qualifiers are done!
The unusually grey and rainy day here in Boulder did nothing to curb the action indoors. It did, however, make sitting outside in a tent suck.
Here are the results.
The unusually grey and rainy day here in Boulder did nothing to curb the action indoors. It did, however, make sitting outside in a tent suck.
Here are the results.
Kathi Posch
The qualifying round consisted of two routes to narrow down the 67 athletes to 26 men and 26 women to compete in the semi-finals tomorrow. On the main wall, the women's first climb is on the left, followed by the two men's routes, and finally the second women's route.
The comp was done flash-style, where competitors are allowed to watch fellow climbers, and remain on the floor for the duration. Tomorrow's semi and final rounds will be done with climbers in isolation.
My first peek inside was just in time to see Austria's Kathi Posch dominate the first women's route. Taking an extended rest on on overhung crimper, she made the climb look effortless. Minutes later Angela Eiter popped off the same climb, only a few moves from the top.
The comp was done flash-style, where competitors are allowed to watch fellow climbers, and remain on the floor for the duration. Tomorrow's semi and final rounds will be done with climbers in isolation.
My first peek inside was just in time to see Austria's Kathi Posch dominate the first women's route. Taking an extended rest on on overhung crimper, she made the climb look effortless. Minutes later Angela Eiter popped off the same climb, only a few moves from the top.
Matty Hong before the crux
The men's routes seemed to be much more difficult. Out of the 34 male athletes, only one flashed both routes. Sachi Amma of Japan flashed both problems, while Jakob Schubert, currently ranked number 1, fell near the top of the second men's route.
The comp also saw the first (maybe ever?) father-son pair of competators. Matty Hong climbed against his father, Steve Hong. Matty ranked 11th at the end of the day, while his father didn't make the cut.
Tomorrow's events should be amazing. Even on day one, with rain, the crowd was loud and engaged. Movement says they can accommodate 1,000 spectators, so if you are coming - get there early!
Men's Results - Click for full size
Women's Results - Click for full size
Full view of Women's (L) and Men's (R w/rope) 1st routes
Full view of Men's (L) and Women's (R) 2nd routes
