<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2024-10-05/Chinese-athletes-sweep-speed-events-at-Climbing-World-Cup-in-Seoul-1xrHsUTXbB6/img/3137821427f9401a948e3932ae27cf0e/3137821427f9401a948e3932ae27cf0e.jpeg' alt='L-R: Men's speed silver medalist Amir Maimuratov of Kazakhstan, gold medalist Wang Xinshang of China and bronze medalist Kiromal Katibin of Indonesia pose for a photo at the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) Climbing World Cup in Seoul, South Korea, October 4, 2024. /International Federation of Sport Climbing'
Both Wang Xinshang and Zhou Yafei of China secured their first International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) Climbing World Cup titles after winning the men’s and women’s speed events in Seoul, South Korea, on Friday.
The victory capped off Wang’s third trip to the final at a World Cup after defeating compatriot Wu Peng in the quarterfinals and Kiromal Katibin of Indonesia in the semifinals. Wang’s opponent in the final was Amir Maimuratov of Kazakhstan. Both slipped during the contest, but the Chinese climber won the race in 6.23 seconds, well ahead of Maimuratov who finished in 10.60 seconds.
“It is my first time to win so I’m really happy, it’s a wonderful experience,” Wang said after the victory.
Katibin earned the bronze medal after defeating Matteo Zurloni of Italy in the consolation final.
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2024-10-05/Chinese-athletes-sweep-speed-events-at-Climbing-World-Cup-in-Seoul-1xrHsUTXbB6/img/9239909c57be4960a1584f48def774d5/9239909c57be4960a1584f48def774d5.jpeg' alt='L-R: Women's speed silver medalist Rajiah Sallsabillah of Indonesia, gold medalist Zhou Yafei of China and bronze medalist Wang Shengyan of China pose for a photo at the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) Climbing World Cup in Seoul, South Korea, October 4, 2024. /International Federation of Sport Climbing'
Zhou and two fellow Chinese athletes, Wang Shengyan and Deng Lijuan, advanced to the women’s speed semifinals. Zhou beat Wang Shengyan to reach the final, where she competed against Rajiah Sallsabillah of Indonesia.
A slip in the title contest cost Sallsabillah the chance to repeat her success from July in Chamonix, France, as she could only manage a time of 8.08 seconds. By contrast, Zhou’s solid performance led to the first World Cup title of her career, after finishing in 6.78 seconds.
“In the final race I really focused on myself,” Zhou said. “At the back of the wall, I listened to some music to try and relax, and then I focused on the race. It’s my first World Cup win and I am proud of myself and my performance. I’m really happy for my country to raise the national flag and I really enjoyed the competition.”
The bronze medal went to Wang after she beat Deng in the consolation final.
