Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Evora takes world triple jump gold


Nelson Evora completed a fairytale win with a personal best of 17.74 metres to scoop the world men's triple jump title on Monday.

The Portuguese record holder, a pre-tournament outsider, finished ahead of Brazil's Jadel Gregoria, who led the world this season but could manage only 17.59.

Defending champion Walter Davis was third courtesy of his opening effort of 17.33.

Evora, 23, dominated the competition hit by the withdrawal of injured Olympic champion Christian Olsson, and was the top qualifier with 17.22.

He led after his opening jump of 17.41 and threw down the gauntlet with a personal best 17.74 in his second effort.

Brazilian giant Gregorio, who stands 2.02m tall, failed to find his rhythm until jump four when he leapt into second place with 17.59.

Crowd favourite Alexander Martinez, who courted strong fan support with his Japan-flag headband, could not ride the wave of popularity and finished eighth.

The triple jump was seen as wide open after Olsson's pull-out through injury on the eve of the championships.

None of the jumps came close to Jonathan Edwards' bionic world record of 18.29 set at the 1995 championships in Gothenburg.


AFP

No comments:

Post a Comment