MANILA, February 10 ------ EJ Obiena seized a breakthrough gold medal this year after reigning supreme in the Meeting Metz Moselle Athlelor in Metz, France. The world no. 4 pole vaulter cleared 5.70 meters in one attempt to rule the eight-man field that also included other powerhouse names like Tokyo Olympic silver medalist Christopher Nilsen.
Obiena skipped both 5.20 and 5.35 meters before soaring past the next height at 5.50m in one jump. He then made a pass on 5.60 meters before clearing 5.70m. He tried to vault at 5.85m but failed in three attempts. Still, his season-best finish was enough to rule the tournament with Menno Vloon taking home the silver with a 5.70m outing as well but had to settle for second place due to countback. Nilsen bagged the bronze with a 5.60m showing.
This marked Obiena's first win in the new indoor season after finishing second in the International Jump Meeting Cottbus at the Lausitz-Arena in Germany late last month. Obiena will be back in action for his title defense in the ISTAF Indoor Tournament. He ruled the same event a year ago, when he cleared 5.93 meters.
Source: gmanetwork.com
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