Japan's Rei Kawamata proved too strong for the rest in the men's youth A boulder semi-finals at the IFSC Youth World Championships ©IFSC/Twitter

Japanese representatives topped the men's and women's youth A boulder semi-final standings, as action resumed at the International Federation of Sport Climbing Youth World Championships in Arco, Italy.

Rei Kawamata finished with four tops to take first place in the penultimate round of the men's event at the RockMaster Climbing Stadium.

Spain's Alberto Ginés López came second, while France's Paul Jenft ranked third.

In the women's competition, Saki Kikuchi led a Japanese one-two finish ahead of Natsumi Hirano.

France's Naile Meignan rounded off the top three.

The semi-final of the women's junior event saw home favourite Laura Rogora prevail.

American Natalia Grossman finished second, while Rogora's compatriot Camilla Moroni came third.

Action in Arco concludes tomorrow.

As well as the finals of the thee boulder competitions, medals will be awarded in the men's and women's youth B and men's junior speed events.