NATALIA GROSSMAN, NARASAKI TOMOA TAKE FINALS TOP SEEDS IN SEOUL

The men’s and women’s Boulder semi-final in Seoul, South Korea, lived up to the expectations and prepared the stage for an exciting pair of finals at the IFSC Boulder and Speed World Cup that is taking place in the Korean capital city.

Natalia Grossman of the United States of America flashed two of the four problems, struggling a little bit on boulder number three, and eventually signing off with four tops and four zone. Also finishing with four tops and four zone, Camilla Moroni of Italy placed second with a higher number of attempts to top.

Participating in her second World Cup event ever, Japanese climber Aoyagi Mia followed in third position with three tops and four zones. Grossman’s friend and teammate – Brooke Raboutou, placed fourth, while Oriane Bertone of France and Stasa Gejo of Serbia respectively closed their semi-final in fifth and sixth position.

For the full results of the women’s Boulder semi-final click here.

The men’s semi-final picked up where the qualification round left off: Team Japan, indeed, absolutely dominated the competition, advancing five of its eight semi-finalists into the medal round.

Narasaki Tomoa took first place with three tops and four zones; Fujii Kokoro followed in second position with three tops and three zones, while Narasaki’s younger brother Meichi – competing in his first World Cup since October 2019 – placed third with two tops and four zones.

Paul Jenft of France was the only non-Japanese climber to qualify for the final. The 18-year-old from La Chapelle Blanche closed the semi-final in fourth place, and will battle for the first World Cup podium of his career.

YOG Buenos Aires 2018 gold medalist Dohi Keita of Japan placed fifth, and Ogata Yoshiyuki placed sixth.

For the full results of the men’s Boulder semi-final click here.

The women’s Boulder final at the IFSC World Cup in Seoul will take place at 5:00 PM (UTC+9:00), today, followed the by the men’s Boulder final.

For information about broadcasting and live streaming of the event click here. News and updates about the event will also be available on the IFSC website, and on the Federation’s social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Natalia Grossman of the United States of America competes in the women's Boulder semi-final at the IFSC World Cup in Seoul (KOR)
Photo: Dimitris Tosidis/IFSC

Narasaki Tomoa of Japan competes in the men's Boulder semi-final at the IFSC World Cup in Seoul (KOR)
Photo: Dimitris Tosidis/IFSC