Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 10) – Filipino pole vault star EJ Obiena struggled in his second competition this year, settling for an eight place finish in the Beijer Pole Vault Gala held in Uppsala, Sweden Thursday morning (Philippine time).
Obiena only surpassed the 5.70-meter mark, as he tied with American foe Sam Kendricks in the eighth spot among 11 competitors.
The 25-year-old Filipino pole vault sensation hurdled the 5.55-meter height in his second try, before acing the 5.70-meter mark in his first attempt.
The Italy-based Obiena failed to clear the 5.81-meter height, which caused him to be eliminated early in the match.
World no. 1 and hometown bet Armand Duplantis bagged the gold medal with a dominating clearance of 6.04 meters.
American pole vaulters Chris Nilsen and KC Lightfoot won the silver and bronze medal, respectively, as they both cleared 5.92 meters. Nilsen got the advantage via countback.
Obiena will next compete on Friday in the Orlen Cup to be staged in Lodz, Poland. He is also slated to compete in the Meeting Hauts de France in Lievin, France on Feb. 17 and Orlen Copernicus Cup in Torun, Poland on Feb. 22.
