Asian Games 2023: Shigekix bosses way into breaking quarter-finals in Hangzhou
The gold-medal favourite from will be joined in the knock-out round by compatriot Issin along with the men's usual suspects Wing, Amir and X-Rain. B-Girls Ami, Ayumi and crowd favourites 671 and Yingzi are also through.
Breaking
Gold-medal favourite Shigekix was rock solid as he safely progressed to the men's quarter-finals of the inaugural breaking competition at the Asian Games 2023 on Friday (6 October).
Shigekix was drawn into the same round-robin group as fellow Japanese B-Boy Issin following pre-selection and the two comfortably finished one-two to reach the elite eight.
In the knockout phase, Shigekix will face Quake of Chinese Taipei while Issin takes on the Republic of Korea's Wing, the world No. 7 who also has a shot at the title here in Hangzhou.
The winners of the men's and women's finals on Saturday secure a quota at Paris 2024, where breaking will make its Olympic Games debut.
"Today was a good day, looking back on it," Shigekix said. "Overall, I showed all the moves I wanted to show. I felt better and better with each battle, really relaxed out there."
Shigekix is coming off third place at the WDSF World Breaking Championships, a contest he was left to rue. For the Asian Games, he appears to be in a good place, mentally and physically.
"I didn’t waste a single second before coming here, whether it was practicing or recovering," he said. "Tomorrow could very well be different in terms of atmosphere or maybe it might stay the same.
"But regardless, I hope I can take the feel I have now into tomorrow and perform even better. I want to enjoy it."
Filling out the quarter-final field are X-Rain and Litheing from the host country who will clash against each other. Amir and Hongten have been pitted in the remaining battle.
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B-Girls Ami, Ayumi, 671 go through
Top-ranked Ami, Ayumi and crowd favourites 671 and Yingzi of the People's Republic of China all topped their respective groups to reach the women’s quarter-finals.
Ami will take on Jia Li of Chinese Taipei while Japanese countrywoman Ayumi will face South Korea’s Starry.
Her compatriot, Fresh Bella, has a tall order against 671, who is joint top with Ami. Yingzi will battle Sayora of Kazakhstan.
Ayumi was runner-up to Nicka at last month’s world championships but immediately afterwards, injured her lower back and was questionable for the Games at one point.
The 40-year-old managed to get through Friday pain-free, and is hoping it stays that way through Saturday
“There’s definitely a lot to take away from today but I had fun out there so I’m happy about that,” Ayumi said. “But I have to turn it up tomorrow.
“After the worls I got hurt again so that’s all that’s been on my mind. I woke up this morning and felt OK.
“I didn’t feel any pain during battle today which was good because I was really concerned it might flare up again.”