EJ Obiena wins gold in Germany tilt, eclipses world no. 2 Chris Nilsen

EJ Obiena made sure to return to action with a bang as he ruled the 26th Internationales Stabhochsprung-Meeting in Jockgrim, Germany on early Wednesday (Manila time), marking the start of the second part of his season.

The Filipino pole vaulter soared past the 5.81 meter mark to emerge victorious in the 11-man field.

His performance was enough to beat world no. 2 Chris Nilsen of the United States, who settled for the second spot after clearing 5.71 meters while Kurtis Marschall of Australia claimed the third place with a similar 5.71m output.

The Philippine bet took just one attempt in vaulting past the 5.61m, 5.71m, and 5.81m. He tried to register 5.95m but failed after committing three faults.

"Great start for the second part of the season," Obiena said in a Facebook post.

Obiena is set to return to the field quickly as he will compete in the Athletissima Meet in Lausanne, Switzerland from August 25 to 26, before seeing action in the True Athletics Classics on the 28th.

—JMB, GMA News