EJ Obiena snags 9th gold medal this season

MANILA – Filipino pole vaulter Ernest John "EJ" Obiena delivered another gold performance at the ISTAF Berlin on Monday, clearing 5.82 meters to beat Belgian Ylio Philtjens and French Robin Emig, who both registered 5.72 meters.

It was the ninth gold medal this season for Obiena, who is currently No. 12 in the world.

The two-time Olympian has qualified for the 2027 World Championships despite a fifth-place finish (5.90m) at the Diamond League leg in Zurich, Switzerland last Aug. 28.

Obiena posted a season best 5.91m to win the gold medal at the Golden Sand outdoor pole vault event in Międzyzdroje, Poland on Aug. 17.

Meanwhile, the 2022 Asian Games champion is eyeing another gold medal on Tuesday at the 4th Domspringen Wesel event won by Emig (5.76m) last year. (PNA)