The indications from the training session proved to be right on track. Alex and Chon both flashed the three first problem, and Kokoro was right behind them with two tries on the first problem, followed by two flashes.
The forth problem was crucial. Alex, who almost climbed it like a circle on Thursday, now wanted it a bit to much. A little to much pressure on the heel resulted in a slip. Somehow (to be honest, it looked impossible) he managed to hang on with only two fingers on a slopey list. He fought his way back upp and for a moment it looked like he was gonna send it. Unfortunately reality caught up to him on the second to last move.
Chon and Kokoro both cruised the problem, while Jimmy came close(r) (but no cigarr) then during the training.
The last problem, a minimalistic one on red crimps, would be the decisive one. If Chon would flash it he would win. But remember, he hade only done the crux move once during training, and it was a real low percentage move… He did the first move, matched on a ridiculously small crimp, squeezed in the fingers of the left hand in the seam between the wall-panels, placed his left foot out left and..slipped! It shouldn’t be possible to stay on the wall in that position, but somehow he controlled the swing and placed his foot back on the wall.
The rest of the moves he did with maximal concentration and managed to top the problem, and win the competition.
You could see the amount of happiness Chon felt when he stood on top of the wall, embracing the applause from the crowd. He’d dreamt of coming here just competing, and now he won!
