Zhao Yicheng (Photo World Climbing)
Chinese teenager Zhao Yicheng has set the new men’s Speed record lowering the world’s best time to 4.58s enroute to the men’s individual gold at the Asian Beach Games in Sanya.
With only days before the World Climbing Series begins in Keqiao, China, teen Speed sensation Yicheng has set the target for all to aim for in 2026 posting a 4.58s time at the Asian Beach Games taking place in Sanya, China.
In just his first senior start, Yicheng lowered American Sam Watson’s previous record of 4.64s which he set at the IFSC World Cup Bali 2025. Yicheng’s time also sets a new Asian record.
Yichend went on to win the men’s individual gold at the Asian Beach Games on default after his final opponent Antasyafi Robby Al Hilmi of Indonesia was penalised for a false start.
Kazakhstan’s Rishat Khaibullin won the bronze.
Although the World Climbing Series starts in Keqiao, Speed fans will have to wait a little longer for the competition in Wujiang on 8-10 May to see Yicheng and Watson in action.
Meanwhile, China made a clean sweep of the women’s individual medals at stake in Sanya. Zhou Yafei defeated Deng Lijuan in the final. Zhang Shaoqin won the bronze medal.
