Mersin, Turkey - Olympic bronze medallist Esref Apak set a World leading mark with a third round hammer throw of 78.06m at the National Winter Throwing Championships of Turkey today.
 
Apak, who is being coached by Belarussian Konstantin Astapkovich this season, opened the competition with a foul, followed by a moderate 73.66 in the next round. The 23-year-old recorded the longest throw of the day in his third attempt with 78.06. Apak then went on to produce a series of consistent throws, 77.94, 76.44 and 77.23 respectively.
 
"We have been trying to adopt a new technique with my new coach for a couple of months, different than what I was doing so far," Apak said after the competition. "Today, I focused specifically on my technique, and I am quite happy with the result."
 
Esref Apak will stay in Mersin, one of the Mediterranean cities in Turkey, for a training camp. Mersin will host the fifth edition of the European Winter Throwing Cup on 12-13 March, and Apak is one of the favourites at home.

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