The Climbing Works International Festival (CWIF) 2020 got off to an exciting start today as two qualification rounds and one 'fun session' took place. No spectators were present as a measure to contain and delay the spread of the novel coronavirus, while hand sanitiser was readily available for competitors and judges throughout the day.

The wall was quieter than a typical CWIF, making for a slightly more relaxed feel - but there was no shortage of hard sends by the WADS and WADesses.

In the morning session, GB team climbers and international IFSC stars - including 4 future Olympians - graced the mats. Billy Ridal came close to a perfect score and topped the results table, while 2 x CWIF Champion Alexander Megos finished 2nd. Local lad (but London-born) Jim Pope placed 3rd. Climbers from this first session occupied the top 20 positions for tomorrow's semi-final.

In the women's competition, British Bouldering Champion Holly Toothill placed 1st, future Olympian Brooke Raboutou (USA) finished 2nd and recent Plywood Masters Champion Hannah Slaney completed the top three.

The fun session attracted some strong looks in addition to some very funky moves. The Carrots for Cancer, Team Alex Megos, Super Mario and The Send Train were just some of the highlights. The Off-Piste problems included a WideBoyz squeeze tube, a slab 'clock' sequence and some swinging around on globe volumes. Check out The Climbing Works on social media for more images and videos.

PLEASE NOTE: Once again, the semis and finals will take place WITHOUT SPECTATORS tomorrow, so please don't turn up. Instead, watch the livestreams linked below.

Sunday - 11:55 and 18:20 for semis and finals respectively.