Kiromal Katibin finished first in men's speed qualifying in Villars ©Getty Images

Indonesian climbers shone in speed qualifying at the International Sport Climbing Federation (IFSC) World Cup in Villars, with Kiromal Katibin posting the fastest men's time and Ajiah Sallsabillah second in the women's event.

The fifth IFSC World Cup of the season began today at the Swiss resort, with speed qualification contested ahead of tomorrow's finals.

Sixteen men and 16 women qualified for the finals.

Katibin - who in May set a new speed world record in Salt Lake City, only for compatriot Veddriq Leonardo to break it in the final - applied pressure to the finish pad with 5.482sec on the clock today.

Leonardo was second on 5.520, with Iranian Reza Alipour Shenazandifard qualifying in third place with 5.547.

Two more Indonesians - Alfian Muhammad Fajri and Aspar Jaelolo - also reached the final, as did five Russians.

Iuliia Kaplina, who has qualified for Tokyo 2020, was fastest in women's qualifying ©IFSC/Lena Drapella
Iuliia Kaplina, who has qualified for Tokyo 2020, was fastest in women's qualifying ©IFSC/Lena Drapella

Russia's Iuliia Kaplina led women's qualifying in 7.014 - not far off the world record of 6.964, which Kaplina holds.

Indonesia's Rajiah Sallsabillah was second, with 7.240, and Poland’s Natalia Kalucka took third place on 7.283.

The field for the final features three Russians and three Indonesians.

Lead qualifying is due to begin tomorrow, before the speed finals.