EJ Obiena may be the Philippines' best chance at gold.
Not to jinx EJ Obiena, but no less than gold is expected of the reigning Asian record holder in the Asian Games. Barring any catastrophic heartbreaker or shocker, the gold is an assured matter. In Filipino terms, "ilista na!"
That's not overselling by any point. The pride of Tondo, Manila is expected to jump over the competition and the numbers speak for themselves.
Obiena is the current world no. 2 and the only pole vaulter competing who has cleared the six-meter mark—he's done that twice this year. EJ is also entering the Asiad with a lot of momentum on his side. The Pinoy Pride has competed in 24 tournaments this year and finished at the podium in all but two of those events.
In his last three tournaments, Obiena cleared 5.82, 5.92, and 5.92 meters.
On paper, the biggest threat to EJ would be China's Yao Jie with a personal and season-best jump of 5.82. The Chinese pole vaulter finished second in the previous edition of the Asiad. Yao's compatriot Huang Bokai, who is 18th in the world and the second highest ranking behind Obeina, could also pose a challenge.
Reigning Asiad champion Seito Yamamoto of Japan has a personal best 5.75-meter clearance but has only jumped to 5.40 this season. 2018 bronze medalist Patsapong Amsam-ang on the other hand has a season best of 5.55.
While he's a heavy favorite to win it all, Obiena is not one to count chickens before they hatch. The 27-year-old has already warmed up for the big stage.
Tomorrow, Obiena will jump for gold.