FILE–Pole vaulter EJ Obiena. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—EJ Obiena secured his spot in the pole vault final at the World Athletics Championships on Saturday at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, USA.
Obiena was among the top 12 performers who qualified in the medal round after clearing 5.75m.
The 26-year-old Obiena, who is vying to become the first Filipino to medal in the worlds, is the only Asian to qualify.
Obiena has been on a roll this year having already won six gold medals.
Making the world championship podium, however, has Obiena facing a tall order but not an improbable task.
World record holder Mondo Duplantis of Sweden is tipped to win the gold in the final set on Monday.
Home bet Christopher Nilsen, former Olympic champions Thiago Braz of Brazil and Renaud Lavillenie of France are also among the medal favorites.
Obiena, who himself is considered a medal threat as the world No. 4, is coming off a gold medal performance in the Jump and Fly meet in Germany earlier this month.