FILIPINO Ernest John “EJ” Obiena started the 2023 international pole vault season on a high note, winning the gold medal in only his second tournament. Obiena, who ranks third in the world, ruled the Perche En Or in Roubaix, France on Saturday (Sunday in Manila). He cleared 5.82 meters on his first attempt to dominate the 12-player field.

The 27-year-old Olympian tried to clear 5.90 meters but failed in three attempts.

Obiena, the holder of the Philippine and Asian record of 5.94m, had a worrisome moment on the way to the gold medal finish.

He cleared 5.75m only in his third and final attempt. He quickly made up for it by acing 5.82m in just one try.

Yao Jie of China had a personalbest 5.75m to take the silver medal. He also tried to clear 5.82 but was unsuccessful in three attempts.

Ethan Cormont settled for the bronze medal via a countback after hurdling 5.65m, as he and teammates Robin Emig and Mathieu Collet cleared the similar height.

Obiena’s victory in the Perche En Or came three days after he finished second at the Internationales Springer-Meeting in Cottbus, Germany with a 5.77m jump.

Obiena finished second to American Sam Kendricks who cleared 5.82m in just one attempt for the gold.

Belgian Ben Broeders took the bronze with 5.72m.