GUIYANG, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) — Chinese climbers Chu Shouhong and Meng Shixue claimed the men’s and women’s speed titles respectively here on Saturday at the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) World Cup, the final speed event of the season.
Chu secured the men’s gold with a time of 4.79 seconds, while Meng took the women’s crown in 6.30 seconds.
Japan’s Omasa Ryo won the men’s silver, and Germany’s Leander Carmanns claimed the bronze. In the women’s competition, Jeong Jimin of South Korea earned silver, and Emma Hunt of the United States took bronze.
The Guiyang stop marked the first time the IFSC Climbing World Cup speed event was held in the city. The competition featured 68 athletes from 14 countries and regions, including multiple Olympians and world champions.
The evening delivered several surprises, notably the early exit of American Samuel Watson, the men’s world record holder, and Indonesia’s Kiromal Katibin, the 2025 season’s overall leader, both knocked out in the round of 16. China‘s Long Jianguo, ranked third in the season standings, was eliminated in the quarterfinals after a mishap.
Following the event, Katibin leads the men’s season standings, followed by Watson and Omasa. Long remains in fourth place. In the women’s rankings, Hunt tops the table, followed by China‘s Zhou Yafei and Indonesia’s Desak Rita Kusuma Dewi.
Chu and Meng both attributed their victories to mental composure and focus during the competition. They also highlighted the electric atmosphere created by the home crowd.
“Having so many local supporters cheering me on was a huge motivation,” said Meng, a native of Guizhou.
Hunt praised the Chinese team’s performance, saying it was great to share the stage with the Chinese athletes. “Meng did a great job. She was so fast. Winning at home is a special honor.”
“Chu did an amazing job and achieved a personal best. I’m proud of him,” added Watson, who plans to focus on improving himself in the upcoming season and looks forward to returning to compete in China.
