By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
EJ Obiena showed his worth and riuled the first Patafa Pole Vault Challenge under rainy conditions at the Vermosa Sports Hub in Imus, Cavite on Tuesday night, May 7.
The world No. 3 and two-time Olympian cleared the bar at 5.80 meters, his season-best in an outdoor event, eclipsing his previous mark of 5.72m he set at the Yangtze River Delta Athletics Diamond Gala in China a few days ago.
It also matched his season-best feat in the indoor event at the Orlen Copernicus Cup in Poland last February.
“Happy to jump a new SB (season best) at my home track,” Obiena said in a social media post moments after his victory.
Chinese Taipei’s Wu Yan-Han bagged the silver via countback after he and Hokket De Los Santos posted identical 5.15m marks.
Meanwhile, FILAM Sports’ Amy Christensen managed 3.80m to rule the distaff side, stunning PH Open champion Alyanna Nicolas (3.60m). Jessa Marie Libres came in third with 3.50m.
Up next for Obiena will be the Asian Athletics Championships in Gumi, South Korea set May 27 to 31.
