After setting a new Asian record less than 24 hours ago, EJ Obiena once more ended strong with a fourth-place finish in the 100th anniversary of the ISTAF tournament held at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, Germany, Monday (Philippine time).
Confidence was at its peak for the 25-year-old. He made just his second attempt over 5.90 meters in just his third tournament, though he could not manage to make it back-to-back.
Nonetheless, Obiena cleared 5.81 meters on his third attempt to finish just outside the podium. Meanwhile, KC Lightfoot of the USA bagged the bronze with a one-time shot at the said height.
On his part, the reigning Asian champion easily cleared the first two heights at 5.41 and 5.56 meters, before needing two at 5.71.
With the gold just a two-way race, Americans Sam Kendricks and Christopher Nilsen decided to go for 6.01 meters, thereby skipping 5.96.
In the end, Kendricks got his first golden success after that fight with COVID-19 with 5.91 meters, taking it after a one-time clearance of 5.41. Nilsen, on his part, needed to tackle the starting height on a second attempt.
