By Jean Malanum
MANILA – Filipino Ernest John “EJ” Obiena topped the Atletang Ayala World Pole Vault Challenge Sunday at Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati City.
The world No. 7 Obiena, who saw action at the 2020 (Tokyo) and 2024 (Paris) Olympics, cleared the bar in 5.80 meters on his second attempt.
World No. 12 Thibaut Collet of France settled for second when he registered 5.80m on his third try.
Poland’s Piotr Lisek, ranked No. 15, placed third with 5.60m, followed by American Matt Ludwig and world No. 5 Turkish Ersu Sasma, who posted identical 5.45m.
American Austin Miller (No. 14) and German Oleg Zernikel (No. 16), the other crowd favorite aside from Obiena, recorded similar 5.30m.
World No. 6 Dutch Menno Vloon and Filipino Hockett Delos Santos both registered “No Mark” as they failed to clear any bar during the competition.
Belgian Ben Broaders did not start.
Delos Santos earned a chance to compete against the world-ranked pole vaulters after his 5.00m performance in the National Pole Vault Challenge the day before.
The tournament marked the first time that international pole vaulters came together in the Philippines for a globally sanctioned event. All participants earned ranking points.
It was the fulfillment of Obiena’s long-time dream to host an international pole vault competition in the Philippines, with the support of Ayala Foundation and MVP Sports Foundation. (PNA)
