China's Liu Qingyi takes silver in World Breaking Championship

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Liu Qingyi of China, known as B-Girl 671, competes during the women's final of the WDSF World Breaking Championship in Seoul, the Republic of Korea, October 22, 2022. /CFP

China's 17-year-old Liu Qingyi pocketed silver in the 2022 World Dance Sport Federation (WDSF) World Breaking Championship on Saturday, bringing China its first world medal of the championship.

Liu, who goes by B-Girl 671, ranked fourth in the pre-selection and had a solid performance in the following match, progressing to the last four with three Japanese break dancers in Seoul, the Republic of Korea.

L-R: Liu Qingyi of China, Ami Yuasa of Japan and Ayumi Fukushima of Japan celebrate on the podium after their final of WDSF World Breaking Championship in Seoul, the Republic of Korea, October 22, 2022. /CFP

In the semifinal, Liu defeated Riko Tsuhako of Japan 2-0 by showing her powerful moves and a good sense of rhythm.

However, in the intense gold medal match, Liu was defeated by 2019 world champion Ami Yuasa of Japan 2:1 to settle for silver. Defending champion Ayumi Fukushima of Japan clinched bronze in the event.

Ami Yuasa of Japan, known as B-Girl Ami, celebrates after winning the women's title during the WDSF World Breaking Championship in Seoul, the Republic of Korea, October 22, 2022. /CFP

Setting the goal of being among the top eight before the event, Liu was satisfied with the silver medal as she recovered her form from the semifinal.

"It is my pleasure to compete with the champion," Liu said. "I will continue to carve my moves, and I look forward to next year's world championships."

Philip Kim of Canada, known as B-Boy Phil Wizard, celebrates after winning the men's title during the WDSF World Breaking Championship in Seoul, the Republic of Korea, October 22, 2022. /CFP

In the men's category, Canada's Philip Kim secured gold by overcoming Japan's Shigeyuki Nakarai in the final. Victor Montalvo of the United States pocketed the bronze medal.

China's Shang Xiaoyu, also known as X-rain, lost to his opponent by an ippon in the round of 32.

"The team is very talented," Chinese breaking team head coach Mounir Biba told Xinhua. "As we are approaching Paris 2024, we need to keep the takeaways in mind and go all out. I believe that we will do better next year."

Breaking will make its Olympic debut since the International Olympic Committee has officially added it to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games in 2020.