Rock Master Open Lead, all the qualifiers

Akiyo Noguchi, Maja Vidmar, Mathilde Becerra and Risa Ota all qualify for the Semifinal of Rock Master 2013. The male qualifiers for Saturday’s onsight are Domen Skofic, Dmitry Fakiryanov, Francesco Vettorata and Klemen Becan.

After the first route of the Open Lead, which serves as qualification to Saturday and Sunday’s Rock Master,  it’s Akiyo Noguchi firmly who leads the provisional ranking thanks to her lone top. Right behind the Japanese climber, who practically walked up the first qualifier, there’s Maja Vidmar. The Slovenian reached the finishing hold as well but exceeded the 6 minute time limit while this morning’s real revelation, Mathilde Becerra, currently lies in third place. Behind these three, after having fallen considerably lower down, there are 5 athletes gunning for the 4th and final ticket to the Rock Master. For Barbara Bacher (Aut), Alizée Dufraisse (Fra), Risa Ota (Jpn), Tina Sustersic (Slo) and Anna Tsyganova (Rus) the second route this afternoon will be a sort of tie-break. Obviously though the provisional leaders will have to watch their step, too, as even the slightest mistake could cost dearly.

- Read the complete report on the official website: www.rockmasterfestival.com