Deep Water Soloing 2014: Semi-Finals

[sawyl]

The male and female semi-finals, held on Sunday, featured a combination of qualifying competitors from the first round of the open competition with various professional climbers making up the different, with the last eight from each going through into the finals.

The women went first, working on the red problems. It quickly became clear that as good as all the competitors were, the three pro boulderers — Michaela Tracy, Emma Twyford, and Sierra Blair-Coyle — were in a different league, sending all the problems in the semi-finals with ease.

Michaela Tracy, British Bouldering Champion, sending the first of the problems in the semis. She it took it more slowly than some of the others — perhaps because the commentator mentioned her title just as she was getting into her stride — but in the end, she made it look pretty easy.

Michaela Tracy starting out on the last problem in the semis, with Emma Twyford looking on from the access way at the bottom of the wall.

Michaale sends the problem with no trouble at all...

This time it's Michaela Tracy's turn to watch as Emma Twyford sends the last of the problems in the semis.

Sierra Blair-Coyle, who powered through all the problems the semis, flashing the last one to finish with minutes left on the clock.

Local hero Laney sending the first of the problems in the semis.

Laney looking strong on the second problem.

The male semis took place almost immediately after the female comp had finished and featured a much larger field, with some of the local hopefuls not scheduled to appear until mid-afternoon. But although a certain amount of cynicism set in once the first couple of routes had been sent a few times, it was an exciting process and because only one person managed to send the last of the problems, I manage to maintain some sense of anticipation right up until the very end.

The men's competition was a lot more mixed than the women's field, largely because the big names were largely outdoor route climbers rather than solid competition boulderers.

The final move of the men's problem involved balancing on the top of the two volumes and using a tiny handhold out to the right to help move across before a big commit to get both hands on the final hold — so it's no wonder this guy — possibly Luke Murphy, going by his number — looks as pleased as he does, having stuck the last move!

Neil Gresham, one of the big names, working his way across the volumes at the top of the wall.

Chris Cubitt, climbing for our local Team Q, preparing to dyno for the last hold — a move that didn't entirely pay off...

A nice shot of Mikey Cleverdon, another local hero, making short work of the volumes on the first problem.

Another good shot of Mikey contemplating a late move on the second problem.

Tom Newberry of Team Q working the last of the three semi-final problems.

Almost as soon as the last of the men were off the route and before the barge had had time to swing round to allow access from the wharf, the Entre-Prise setters were on the wall to strip off the holds and reset for the finals. And somehow, in under two hours, they'd managed to clean the wall, set big new problems, and get the barge back into position ready for the last rounds of the competition — a seriously impressive feat!