Obiena wins gold in indoor pole vault event

EJ Obiena continues to set new records in Europe.

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--EJ Obiena's campaign to capture a Tokyo Olympic medal got a major boost early Saturday (Philippine Time) after ruling the ISTAF Indoor Berlin event.

The Philippines' top pole vaulter won the gold medal as well as setting the new Philippine indoor record by soaring for 5.8 meters.

Obiena actually ended up tied at the top with German athlete Torben Blech, but the former clinched the tiebreaker after clearing the said height in just his first try.

Blech needed two tries to clear 5.8 meters even as both pole vaulters missed out at 5.87.

Oleg Zernikel sealed the 2-3 finish for the host nation after setting a new personal best of 5.72 meters, beating Robert Sobera and Piotr Lisek for the bronze as both Polish pole vaulters could only clear a season best 5.62.

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