American Matty Hong Repeats Papichulo 5.15

Matty Hong has ticked Chris Sharma’s Papichulo 5.15a in Oliana, Spain.

The 50-metre limestone route is Hong’s first at the grade and was climbed by Sharma in 2008.

“Moments like these don’t come often in this sport, and I’ll never forget the feeling I had clipping the chains,” Hong wrote on his Instagram. “Thanks to everyone at the crag and abroad for the continuous support and great energy daily.

“It was an incredible way to end my three month stay here in Spain, I’m sad to be leaving in a few days but am indebted to this experience.”

A few other top climbers who have sent the 5.15 include Mateusz Haladaj, Domen Skofic, Jon Siegrist and Daniel Woods.

Matty Hong on Papichulo (9a+, or 36) at Oliana — which he sent in a gale yesterday. Whoop, whoop! Congrats Mat! #mynikonlife @nikon_australia @thinktankphoto @petzl_official #petzlgram #climbing #rockclimbing

A photo posted by Simon Carter (@simoncarter_onsight) on Mar 25, 2016 at 3:21am PDT