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Joey Villar - The Philippine Star
February 18, 2025 | 12:00am
EJ Obiena
https: / / www.instagram.com / ernestobienapv /
MANILA, Philippines — World No. 4 and Asian champion EJ Obiena delivered his season-best performance in pocketing the gold medal in the Orlen Copernicus Cup in Torun, Poland over the weekend.
The two-time Olympian submitted a 5.80-meter clearance in capturing the mint ahead of nine others that included local hero Piotr Lisek, who snared the silver with a 5.70m.
Norwegian Sondre Guttormsen also registered a 5.70m but settled for the bronze via countback.
It was the best effort for the World Championship bronze winner and Southeast Asian Games king after his 5.70m in last month’s Meeting Metz Moselle Athletor in France where he also struck gold.
The Torun feat was redemption of sorts for Obiena after a forgettable stint in last week’s ISTAF Indoor tournament in Dusseldorf, Germany where he ended up seventh of eight participants.
After passing up on the 5.20m and 5.40m, Obiena effortlessly cleared 5.50m, passed up an attempt at 5.60m, and then easily cleared 5.70m.
He then found trouble hurdling 5.80m after two missed tries before eventually clearing on the third and final attempt to seal the deal.
Obiena then tried 5.85m but to no avail.
