The Boulder World Cup in Brixen ended yesterday with the victory of Brix Toby Roberts. In the top-class final, the 18-year-old from Surrey prevailed in front of the Korean Dohyun Lee and the Japanese Yoshiyuki Ogata.
Toby Roberts wins his first gold medal at the IFSC Boulder World Cup in Brixen. The 18-year-old secured victory on the fourth and last final boulder. Because the athletes behind the stands can see the points, Roberts said he knew he needed a top to win. "I've tried to stay calm and think about nothing else, but it's quite difficult in this environment."
"Words can't explain it, I feel absolutely amazing. I fought on the last boulder and gave it my all. I still can't believe that I've won my first World Cup."
Toby Roberts
Open ending to the end
After the first boulder, it became clear that it was going to be a duel between Dohyun Lee and Toby Roberts might run out. Because they were the only ones who solved the first problem with a top. Lee managed a flash, Roberts needed four attempts.
Boulder number two was the end of the line for the two leaders in the zone, while youngsters here Sorato Anraku hit back with a top. The 16-year-old Japanese missed out on the first boulder - but he now catapulted himself into third place.
All six finalists solved the third boulder problem. Lee maintained his lead over Roberts with two tops and three zones on fewer attempts (3-7), while Anraku secured third place with his second top and stayed on the heels of the leading duo.
The decision now had to be made on the fourth boulder. Lee blundered and "only" made the zone, which Roberts coldly exploited with the third top and thus made his first World Cup victory perfect. For Lee, 20 from Seoul, it was the third podium of his career.
That made the no less exciting race for third place Yoshiyuki Ogata. The 25-year-old from Tokyo pushed forward with his second top and four zones. For Ogata it was the tenth podium in the Bouldering World Cup.
IFSC Boulder World Cup Brixen: Ranking Men
- Toby Roberts (GBR) 3T4z 10 7
- Dohyun Lee (KOR) 2T4z 3 4
- Yoshiyuki Ogata (JPN) 2T4z 5 6
- Meichi Narasaki (JPN) 2T4z 5 11
- Sorato Anraku (JPN) 2T2z 5 2
- Tomoa Narasaki (JPN) 1T2z 1 2
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Credits: Cover picture Dimitris Tosidis/IFSC, Text IFSC & Sportissimus Media