The Filipino pole vault record holder continues his strong start in the indoor season.
It's another gold for EJ Obiena.
Just two days after matching the Philippine indoor record of 5.91 meters at the Mondo Classic in Sweden, Obiena picks up the gold at the Orlen Cup in Poland.
This is his third win of the 2023 indoor season, starting with the 5-6 National Indoor Meeting in Padova, Italy at 5.65 meters and the Perche en or in France at 5.82 meters last month.
In Poland, the Filipino started his Orlen Cup at 5.61 meters, skipped 5.70, and made his second run at 5.77. He cleared the height during his second attempt.
"It was a difficult battle, both physically and mentally," Obiena wrote on Instagram.
USA's KC Lightfoot, who tied with Obiena at 5.91 in the Mondo Classic, fell during an attempt, got injured and was quickly ruled out of the competition.
His compatriot and two-time world champion Sam Kendricks, hometown favorite Piotr Lisek, and Italian athlete Claudio Stecchi all skipped 5.77 to aim for 5.82 meters. They all missed.
The three settled for 5.70, finishing second, third, and fourth below Obiena.
The Filipino and world number three pole vaulter will next compete at the Copernicus Cup, which is also in Poland, later this week.