Tough field awaits Obiena

CAPAS, Tarlac — Pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena braces for a tough competition against a stacked field headlined by world record holder Armand Duplantis of Sweden when the Shanghai leg of the Diamond League unfurls on Saturday.

Now healthier after recovering from a back injury he sustained last year, the Filipino bet seeks to break into the podium following a dismal seventh place in the Xiamen leg last week.

Competition starts at 6:22 p.m.

Obiena is looking to improve from his high of 5.62 meters in the previous stop of the prestigious tournament.

Aside from Duplantis of Sweden, Obiena will also be contending against 2024 Paris Olympics silver medalist Sam Kendricks of the United States, and bronze medalist Emmanouil Karalis of Greece.

Completing the all-star cast are Ben Broeders of Belgium, Kurtis Marschall of Australia, Ersu Sasma of Turkey, Menno Vloon of the Netherlands, Sondre Guttormsen of Norway, and home bets Huang Bokai and Li Chenyang.

The Diamond League serves as part of Obiena’s buildup for the Asian Athletics Championships in Gumi, South Korea from 27 to 31 May.

Obiena has a full calendar including stints in the World Athletics Championships from 13 to 21 September and the 33rd Southeast Asian Games from 9 to 20 December in Thailand.