Obiena strikes gold in France

Pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena took the gold medal of the Metz Moselle Athletor in France early Sunday (Manila time) after clearing 5.70 meters.

Obiena, 29, won via countback over Menno Vloon of the Netherlands after going over the bar once.

This was Obiena's first gold medal since returning to action last January.

Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Christopher Nilsen of the United States finished in third place after clearing 5.60m.

Obiena is set to compete at the ISTAF Indoor in Dusseldorf, Germany on Sunday.