News08 Feb 2009


Ukhov raises his world lead to 2.36m, Friedrich improves to 2.02m in Arnstadt

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Ariane Freidrich in Gothenburg (© Hasse Sjögren)

Ivan Ukhov improved his own world lead in the High Jump with a 2.36m clearance at the 33rd High Jump Meeting in Arnstadt, Germany on Saturday (7).

Jumping before a packed hall of 1200 spectators, the 22-year-old Russian added a centimetre to his previous world-pacing mark from Moscow last weekend. Displaying solid form, Ukhov cleared each height through 2.36m with first attempt clearances. He bowed after three tries at a would-be career best of 2.40m. Ukhov has a 2.39m indoor best from the 2007 Russian Winter meeting. His next outing is scheduled for the Russian Indoor Championships 13-15 February.

Jesse Williams of the US was the runner-up after improving his personal best to 2.34m with his first attempt. The 2008 Olympian's clearance also topped his outdoor best of 2.33m from 2007. After a pair of misses at 2.36, he bowed out at 2.38m.

Olympic bronze medallist Yaroslav Rybakov of Russia and German Raul Spank were third and fourth, respectively, with 2.30m clearances. Ukrainian Viktor Shapoval and Briton Martyn Bernard rounded out the top six with 2.27m efforts.

Friedrich improves to 2.02m

German favourite Ariane Friedrich improved her season's best --and equalled her indoor PB-- with a 2.02m winning leap. Opening at 1.90m, she sailed over 1.96m and 2.00m on her first go, and needed a second attempt before clearing 2.02m. She went out at 2.04m.

Finishing second was Russian Viktoriya Klyugina who joined the 2.00m club. Her previous best, both indoors and outdoors, was 1.98m. Frenchwoman Melanie Skotnik was third at 1.93m, while Russian Svetlana Shkolina and Viktoriya Styopian of Ukraine tied for fourth with 1.90m efforts.

Bob Ramsak for the IAAF

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