Ernest John Obiena, of the Philippines, competes in qualifications for the men's pole vault at the World Athletics Championships on Friday, July 22, 2022, in Eugene, Ore. - AP
MANILA, July 23 (Philippines Daily Inquirer/ANN): Philippines athletics superstar 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, ranked No.4 in the world, 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 in international events.
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. - Philippines Daily Inquirer/ANN
