PH star EJ Obiena qualifies for pole vault final in Tokyo Olympics
EJ Obiena during an attempt in the men’s pole vault. FRANCIS OCHOA
MANILA, Philippines—Philippines’ Ernest John Obiena qualified for the finals of the men’s pole vault competition of the Tokyo Olympics Saturday at Olympic Stadium.
The Filipino bet, who is ranked No. 6 in the world, finished 10th overall and fifth in Group B after three gut-wrenching attempts at 5.75 meters.
Following a flawless run in the 5.50m and 5.65m, Obiena failed in his first two attempts at 5.75m.
EJ Obiena at the stands after an attempt in the men’s pole vault qualification. FRANCIS OCHOA
Third time proved to be the charm for Obiena as he cleared the height in his final attempt.
Bo Kanda Lita Baehre of Germany and Christopher Nielsen of the United States, both in Group B, were tied at first place after the qualifying stage while world no.1 Armand Duplantis of Sweden and KC Lightfoot of the United States were tied at third.
Kurtis Marschall of Australia and Renaud Lavillenie of France came in at sixth and seventh, respectively.
Brazil’s Thiago Braz, the 2016 Rio gold medalist, and Greece’s Emmanouil Karalis were tied at eighth while Poland’s Piotr Lisek came in at 11th.
Great Britain’s Harry Coppell, Turkey’s Ersu Sasma, and Germany’s Oleg Zernikel didn’t clear 5.75m but still qualified for 12th place after they succeeded in the 5.65m height in just one attempt.
The final round is set for August 3.
