After the exciting World Cup Bouldering qualifiers yesterday, in Vail, Colorado, the twenty men and twenty women continued the competition with the Semi-Finals and Finals today.
The Semi-Final problems were dynamic and powerful, with just enough technical climbing to keep the competitors on their toes. Everyone brought their A-game, with it becoming clear early on who would move on to the finals. Last year's champions, Alex Johnson (US-womens) and Kilian Fischhuber (AUT-mens) continued their strong streak, while usual suspects moved on as well: Anna Stohr (AUT), Daniel Woods (US), Paul Robinson (US), Alex Puccio (US) and Natalija Gros (SLO). Kyle Owen (US) and Jonas Baumann (GER) looked confident and climbed most of the problems with relative ease. The Asian women Akiyo Noguchi (JAP) and Jain Kim (KOR) showed impressive strength, skill and fluidity.
With such a strong line-up in the final round, it was difficult to know who would come out ahead. Local favorite Daniel Woods powered though the steep problems only to have trouble on the technical slab top on problem 3. Paul Robinson did well, but had trouble on several of the problems including #4, with its funky dyno. Alex Puccio climbed super strong, doing pull-ups after toping out on each of the problems. Alex Johnson also did well, using her height as an advantage, but it did seem to be a liabilty on some of the scrunchier moves.
In the end, the German Jonas Baumann took first for the mens and Alex Puccio got the Gold for the womens. Americans took 3 medals, with Alex Johnson and Daniel Woods both taking Silver.
For a play-by-play account of the competition check our Twitter feed, including photos. And look below for an interview with Silver Medalist Daniel Woods.
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