IFSC Boulder World Cup: Tai'an - Report
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 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.