Japan\u2019s Anraku Sorato was crowned the Boulder world champion on the final night of the IFSC Climbing and Para Climbing World Championships in Seoul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In what seemed to be a repeat of the women\u2019s final, Anraku had to top the final boulder to overtake a French climber for the gold. Tonight, that climber was Mejdi Schalck who won silver and South Korea\u2019s Lee Dohyun who won bronze to add to his Lead gold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the first boulder of the final Schalck was always in front after a flash. He topped the next two to go onto the last boulder knowing a quick top would guarantee the gold. Both Anraku and Lee topped the first three boulders, but were behind on attempts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Schalck made the zone in one attempt but could not make the top. All he could do was sit and wait for Lee and Anraku to try. Lee made the zone in two attempts but couldn\u2019t make the top. The stage was set for Anraku.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Japanese climber hit the zone in one but fell. On his second attempt he made the top to dash the dreams of Schalck and secure a gold medal for himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Anraku said: \u201cI knew that I had to finish the last boulder and I\u2019m happy I could do it. I was able to really enjoy my climbing. I usually get stiff in that situation but I was so happy I could do well this time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Anraku just loves to climb and compete, and the end was fitting of a World Championships, but despite all the wins in his career so far, Anraku still needs help with one thing saying: \u201cI don\u2019t know what I\u2019ll do to celebrate. I think I do nothing.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The new champion won with a score of 99.2pts, Schalck took silver with 84.5pts, and Lee took bronze with 84.2pts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In fourth place was Narasaki Tomoa who had two tops and a score of 59.7pts. Following in fifth was teammate and brother Meichi who scored 44.8pts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Austria\u2019s Jan-Luca Posch was sixth in his first World Championships final on 29.7pts while two first time finalists filled the remaining two places. Germany\u2019s Thorben Perry Bloem was seventh with 29.0pts and Great Britain\u2019s Jack MacDougall was eighth with 19.8pts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n