EJ Obiena barely missed a new season-best, clearing 5.70 meters once more for a share of eighth place in the 2022 Beijer Stavhoppsgala, Thursday morning (Philippine time) at the IFU Arena in Uppsala, Sweden.
The world number 5 pole vaulter was inches short of making his third and final attempt at 5.81 meters but took the bar down with him to end his stint at 5.70.
Obiena earlier needed a second chance at 5.55 for the clearance. The height of 5.70 — his final result — was again not a problem as he took it in just a single try.
Hometown bet Armand Duplantis set a new world-leading mark of 6.04 meters to keep his winning streak going.
Americans Chris Nilsen and KC Lightfoot complete the podium in that order, after both registered 5.92. Nilsen took the silver as Lightfoot needed two attempts at the said height, while he only took it once.
Obiena continues his indoor season foray in Orlen Cup next on February 11. It was there in Lodz where he set a new national indoor record of 5.86 meters last year.
