EJ Obiena defends Orlen Copernicus title in Poland

Filipino pole vaulter EJ Obiena has successfully defended his throne at the 2023 Orlen Copernicus Cup in Torun, Poland on Thursday morning (Manila time).

The 27-year-old ace soared past 5.87 meters to rule the 10-man field while Rutger Koppelaar of The Netherlands copped the silver medal with a personal best 5.82 meter finish. Ben Broeders of Belgium settled for bronze after jumping past 5.82m as well.

Obiena reigned supreme in the same tournament last year, where he had a 5.81 meter output.

Obiena, who on Wednesday night announced that he's pulling out of the Asian Indoor Championships due to logistical issues, has now won two straight gold medals after ruling the Orlen Cup in Lodz over the weekend.

This is also Obiena's third overall top finish in the indoor season after joining six tournaments so far. — LA, GMA Integrated News