Christopher Cosser clinched a place at Tokyo 2020 ©IFSC

Christopher Cosser clinched a place at next year's Olympic Games in Tokyo after winning the men's contest at the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) African Championships.

The 20-year-old snatched the Tokyo 2020 spot following an intense battle with fellow South African Chris Naude.

Cosser and Naude took the top two spots in the speed stage, before the latter won the boulder with two tops and three zones. 

In the decisive lead stage, Cosser climbed last and topped the route. 

He moved into first position in the overall standings with four points. 

The majority of athletes have qualified for the sport climbing contest at Tokyo 2020 ©Getty Images
The majority of athletes have qualified for the sport climbing contest at Tokyo 2020 ©Getty Images

Naude took silver with six, while compatriot Calrin Curtis claimed bronze with 24.0. 

Cosser becomes the 38th athlete to book a place at the sport climbing contest at Tokyo 2020. 

The remaining two spots will go to an athlete from host country Japan and an athlete selected for a Tripartite Commission invitation.

Sport climbing is set to make its Olympic debut at the Games, which are scheduled to take place from July 23 to August 8 2021 after being postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.