EDINBURGH, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- American Samuel Watson won the first International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) World Cup speed gold for his country here on Saturday, while Polish twin Aleksandra Kalucka and Natalia Kalucka finished 1-2 in the women's event.
The 16-year-old U.S. climber came through Saturday's quarterfinals and semifinals with luck as his competitors either made a false start or fall off.
The final between Samuel and China's Long Jinbao, title-holder of this season's Chamonix and Villars stops, was expected to be a close match but turned out to be a blowout.
Samuel tapped the top with a time of 5.97 seconds, winning over Long with a huge advantage as the Chinese climber finished in 6.93 seconds.
"I'm feeling amazing. Feeling great," said Watson.
Spain's Erik Noya Cardano finished third gifted by his Italian rival Gian Luca Zodda's false start.
On women's part, the Polish twin sisters, Aleksandra Kalucka and Natalia Kalucka met in the final.
The result saw Aleksandra win in 7.47 seconds while Natalia fell from the wall. Emma Hunt of the United States claimed the bronze.
With this gold, Aleksandra also secured the women's 2022 Speed World Cup series title.
"I'm also really proud of myself and my sister because it was our first big final together. I really hope we can do it again," said Aleksandra. ■
