Obiena tops International Springer-Meeting in Germany

EJ OBIENA delivered his first golden performance of the season on his road back to redemption after ruling the International Springer-Meeting at the Lausitz Arena in Cottbus, Germany on Thursday.

The reigning Asian and Southeast Asian champion cleared 5.77 meters (m) to deliver his first triumph of the year as he continues to climb from No. 11 in the world and back to old, highest rank a year ago at No. 2.

Mr. Obiena actually shared the victory with the Netherlands’ Menno Vloon, who also had a 5.77 on his second attempt.

The tie was supposed to be settled via a jump off but organizers decided to go out of tradition and award the gold to both Mr. Obiena and Mr. Vloon.

“Brick by brick, we build,” said Mr. Obiena.

It came just a few days after snaring a bronze with a 5.65 m in the 6th ISTAF Indoor in Dusseldorf. — Joey Villar