The fourth round of the 2018 IFSC Boulder World Cup series took place in Tai'an, China last weekend. The finals consisted of some new faces and surprise results. Team GB's Nathan Phillips continued his run of good form to place 17th in the semi-finals, while Jennifer Wood achieved her best result yet - 28th place - just missing out on making semis.
© IFSC/ Forrest Liu
Results below highlights and finals videos (don't scroll if you don't want to know!!)
IFSC Climbing Worldcup (B,S) - Tai'an (CHN) 2018
Once again this season Japan were well represented in the final line-up, with four athletes in the running. Akiyo Noguchi and Miho Nonaka continued their close-fought battle for the overall title, taking first and second place respectively after topping all four boulders ahead of Fanny Gibert (FRA). Johanna Fârber (AUT) and Kyra Condie (USA) were first-time finalists following two impressive performances in the semis. In the men's event, Alex Khazanov became the first ever competitor from Israel to make a final, before going on to win ahead of Slovenian teammates Jernej Kruder and Gregor Vezonik. The remaining places fell to arguably the three more likely podium finishers: Rei Sugimoto (JPN), Kokoro Fujii (JPN) and Jongwon Chon (KOR).
The next round is in Hachioji, Japan, 2-3rd June.
Comments
Loving the Akiyo/Miho battle for the female overall.
Gregor was in the Moscow finals, where he came 3rd :-)
Great to see Alex Khazanov take the win. He was so happy and in tears at one point. And even better to see him share the podium with his close friends.
Akiyo climbed brilliantly. I love the way she climbs, so great to watch.
Good effort by Nathan again making semi's. Apparently he missed the final by one move.