Ernest John Obiena set a new meet record after clearing 5.91 meters at the Golden Sand in Międzyzdroje, Poland, on Tuesday.

The 30-year-old Obiena produced his best clearance of the season, surpassing the 5.85m he recorded at the Meeting Madrid in Spain last July.

Seifeldin Abdelsalam of Qatar settled for silver with 5.75m, while Cole Walsh of the United States took bronze after clearing 5.70m.

For the Greece-based Obiena, reaching the 5.90m mark was a welcome sign that he is regaining his best form.

It was his first clearance of at least 5.90m since 2024 and his first since training alongside world No. 2 Emmanouil Karalis of Greece in Athens.

“I haven’t been up here for some time. 5.91m here in Międzyzdroje for the (gold) and a new meeting record,” Obiena said.

“Thank you very much, Golden Sand, for having me. Happy to finally be back over a 90 bar.”

Obiena is now gearing up for two major tournaments in September.

The World Athletics Ultimate Championships will be held in Budapest from 11 to 13 September, where he hopes to secure one of the top eight spots in the qualification standings before the 1 September deadline.

Obiena currently sits 12th with 1,286 points and will need more strong finishes to improve his chances of making the prestigious competition.

He will then turn his attention to the 20th Asian Games in Japan from 24 to 29 September at the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium.

Obiena is aiming for a second straight Asian Games gold medal after reigning supreme the 19th Asiad in Hangzhou, China, in 2023.

He will defend his title against the likes of Huang Bokai of China, Hussain Al-Hizam of Saudi Arabia and Patsapong Amsam-ang of Thailand.

Obiena is expected to be among the Philippines’ top bets in Nagoya, alongside gymnastics star Carlos Yulo, boxers Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam and Aira Villegas, jiu-jitsu ace Annie Ramirez, Gilas Pilipinas and tennis sensation Alex Eala.