Sanders handled the boulder drama and celebrates victory in Prague

Although defending champion Oriane Bertone was missing from the final eight, the start list alone promised a spectacular show for the fans on Štvanice — and the climbers certainly delivered.

Sanders effectively secured her victory right at the beginning by becoming the only finalist to top the opening boulder. That gave her enough margin to survive a small setback on the second problem, where she managed only the zone.

Erin McNeice also recorded three tops and, just like her American rival, solved the final two boulders on her first attempts. In the end, however, she missed out on gold by only two tenths of a point.

Australia’s Oceania Mackenzie was still in contention for victory before the final boulder, but the last problem did not suit her. That allowed China’s Yuetong Zhang to celebrate a bronze medal in her very first World Series final appearance.

The competition will conclude on Sunday with lead climbing. The semifinals are scheduled to start at 10:30.

Final results: HERE.