Huangci has phenomenal technique, but I dislike her tone and interpretation. Her sound is not full or rich. It may be just me, but her expression does not seem natural. But she is still a great 16-year-old talent.
On the other hand, I was very impressed with 17-year-old Dinara Nadzhafova. There is an artistic personality! Her beautiful sound was also effortless.
I am a little skeptical about the fairness of the judging in the Hamamatsu competition. The former teacher (Prof. Kaemmerling) of the winner, Alexej Gorlatch, was in the jury.
Even on the Hamamatsu Competition's website, it is written in a press release:
"Prof. KAEMMERLING said, "It's very special that my student has become a Finalist. All the three Finalists have done great accomplishments this evening."" (
https://www.hipic.jp/eng/news_topics/news/news_06-1125-4.html)