Zhao Yicheng (L) of China competes during the sport climbing (speed) men's individual quarterfinal match at the 6th Asian Beach Games in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, April 28, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

SANYA, April 28 (Xinhua) -- Chinese speed climber Zhao Yicheng set a new men's speed world record of 4.58 seconds in the preliminaries at the 6th Asian Beach Games on Tuesday.

The previous mark of 4.64 seconds was held by American Samuel Watson, set at a World Cup event in Bali in 2025.

The 16-year-old opened with 4.73 seconds on his first attempt before slicing his time down to 4.58 on his second run.

The performance marks a dramatic breakthrough for the teenager, who had already sent warning signals to the climbing world before the Games. In March 2025, during a national team selection event in Baisha, Hainan, he recorded unofficial times of 4.68 and 4.65 seconds in one afternoon - both faster than Watson's then-world record of 4.74 set at the Paris Olympics.

"I just had to see what the view looked like from 4.6 seconds," Zhao said at the time.

Zhao's record led a strong showing by the hosts, as all four Chinese men and all four Chinese women advanced to the next round. The round of 16 is scheduled for Tuesday evening. ■

Wu Peng (L) of China competes during the sport climbing (speed) men's individual round of 16 match at the 6th Asian Beach Games in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, April 28, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

Long Jianguo (L) of China competes with Rishat Khaibullin of Kazakhstan during the sport climbing (speed) men's individual quarterfinal match at the 6th Asian Beach Games in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, April 28, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

Long Jianguo (R) of China hugs Rishat Khaibullin of Kazakhstan during the sport climbing (speed) men's individual quarterfinal match at the 6th Asian Beach Games in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, April 28, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)