EJ Obiena is a back-to-back Jump and Fly champion.
The 26-year-old standout successfully defended his title in this tournament after a 5.80-meter clearance, Sunday morning (Philippine time) at the Weiherstadion in Hechingen, Germany.
This is his second gold in as many tournaments — not counting the other day’s Wanda Diamond League in Stockholm, Sweden where no medals are awarded.
Obiena had the gold in the bag with a first-time clearance at 5.70 meters but had difficulty clearing the final height. He eventually tackled 5.80 in his third and final attempt to rule the three-man field.
The Asian record holder also attempted to set a new continental mark at 5.94 meters but could not clear it at two tries, so the record at 5.93 remains for now.
Chinese pole vaulter Huang Bokai bagged the silver with 5.50, while hometown bet Vincent Hobbie ended with the bronze with 5.10.
Obiena won the tournament last year when it was held in Mossingen with a then-new Philippine record of 5.85 meters.
Obiena is slated to fly to the United States in a few days for the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon.
