The first and only city making its debut on the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) World Cup circuit in 2023 is Prague, Czech Republic, where the men’s and women’s Boulder qualification rounds kicked the competition off.
Out of 95 participants in the men’s event, Kayotani Ritsu of Japan were the only climber finishing with five tops – three of which were flashes – taking first place in group A and overall. The top position in group B was taken by Mickael Mawem of France, who closed his round with four tops and five zones.
“At the end of my round I felt pretty good, but I honestly didn’t expect to be in first place. The set of boulders was not too hard, but they required good timing,” said Mawem at the end of his round.
Competing in his first World Cup event since Salt Lake City 2021, six-time Boulder gold medallist Adam Ondra of the Czech Republic easily won the loudest applause from the crowd. After struggling on the first of his five problems, Ondra managed to top three of the remaining four, placing 13th overall with three tops and five zones, and advancing to the semi-final round.
“I definitely felt the pressure,” Ondra said. “And I’m going to need the crowd behind me tomorrow, in the semi-final round.
“My goal is to be at the top of my shape in Bern, at the World Championships. That’s the most important goal of the season for me.”
For the men’s Boulder qualification full results click here
Adam Ondra of the Czech Republic returned to the IFSC World Cup Series for his first event since Salt Lake City 2021Photo: Jan Virt/IFSC
Also making her first appearance in 2023, due to a toe injury she suffered last February, Tokyo 2020 gold medallist Janja Garnbret of Slovenia grabbed first place in the women’s Boulder event, dominating group A with five tops out of five problems and flashing four of them.
“I didn’t feel like I just came back from an eight-month break. I couldn’t stop smiling all the time, because I felt very comfortable on the mats, I felt myself. It was incredible!” said Garnbret.
Paired with the Slovenian climber at the top of the overall ranking was Japan’s Ito Futaba with four tops and five zones. Ito was the only athlete in group B to top the very first boulder, placing ahead of a group of climbers that finished with three tops and five zones – Austria’s Jessica Pilz, Japan’s Kura Nanako, South Korea’s Seo Chaehyun, and Switzerland’s Sofia Yokoyama.
“I’m very happy with my result,” commented Ito. “I enjoyed all the boulders, but the second one especially. It was fun.
“My season didn’t start very well, so hopefully I will be able to get better starting from this Sunday.”
For the women’s Boulder qualification full results click here
Janja Garnbret of Slovenia finished her round with four flashes and five tops, taking first place alongside Ito Futaba of JapanPhoto: Jan Virt/IFSC
The IFSC World Cup Prague 2023 will continue tomorrow with the men’s Boulder semi-final and final, respectively scheduled at 12:00 (UTC+2:00) and 20:00. Both rounds will be live streamed on the IFSC YouTube channel , with geographic restriction applied. For more information about where to watch the IFSC World Cup Series 2023 please click here
News and updates about the IFSC event are available on the IFSC website , and on the Federation’s digital channels: Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , LinkedIn , and exclusively for the Chinese audience, Douyin and Weibo