Japan teen Anraku wins Asiad men's combined sport climbing

(Xinhua) 09:00, October 07, 2023

HANGZHOU, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Despite unexpected rainfall, Sorato Anraku of Japan topped the wall and the podium in the men's combined of sport climbing at the Asian Games here on Friday.

Rain fell shortly after the boulder session began. Many climbers slipped when they attacked the wall, and some brought towels with them to wipe their shoes.

"We waited for a while because of the rain. We got a little bit cold and felt a bit uneasy," Anraku recalled.

The 16-year-old, however, showed his calm on the wall and became the only finalist to top all four routes in the boulder session. In the lead part, no one could stop Anraku, who reached the highest 41+ holds and snatched the gold with a total of 187.8 points.

"I took some risks in the lead session, but I also controled my rhythm during the starting phase of the route," said Anraku, who had stunned the climbing world by winning double overall World Cup titles in men's boulder and lead this year. Arriving in Hangzhou in his first senior season, he had been regarded as odds-on favorite for the title.

Lee Do-hyun of South Korea took the silver medal, while Pan Yufei clinched a historic bronze for China with a comeback in the lead session.

The host climber said he was a little bit overwhelmed after grabbing China's first major medal in the combined event.

"I feel I am so lucky, and I still have a lot to improve and to learn from the finalists," said the 23-year-old. "This medal will also boost my confidence as I've just bounced back from bad form last year." 

Very good!（911）