KRISTEL SATUMBAGA

EJ Obiena captured his first indoor title this season after topping the Perche En Or in Roubaix, France Saturday, Jan. 28 (Sunday in Manila).

The world No. 3 Obiena cleared 5.82 meters right on his first attempt to capture the gold medal, beating Yao Jie of China who tallied a personal-best 5.75m.

Obiena tried 5.90m but was unsuccessful.

His recent feat eclipsed his previous performance at the International Jump Meeting in Cottbus, Germany a few days back where he posted 5.77m for the silver medal.

Obiena’s personal best is 5.91m which he made in Rouen, France last year.

However, he remains hopeful he can do better in future events, including the Asian Indoor Athletics Championships in Kazakhstan next month where he is heavily favored to win the gold.

Meanwhile, hometown bet Ethan Cormont bagged the bronze medal via countback after he and teammates Robin Emig and Mathieu Collet registered similar 5.65m.