News05 Aug 2007


Isinbayeva, Borzakovskiy the standouts in Moscow - Russian Challenge

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All smiles - Yuriy Borzakovskiy winning in Athens (© Tsiklitiria organisers)

Olympic champions Yelena Isinbayeva and Yuriy Borzakovskiy were the key attractions as the Russian Challenge 2007 celebrated its fifth anniversary at the Luzhniki stadium in southern Moscow.

Effortless 4.80 win for Isinbayeva

Not surprisingly, in was Isinbayeva who was centre of and as always when Isinbayeva takes to the Pole Vault runway, rumours and hopes for a World record assault abound. Monika Pyrek, who last year defeated Isinbayeva, was the main challenger but the Pole topped out at "only" 4.60. Isinbayeva opened at that height clearing on her first attempt and then easily conquered 4.80. Spectators expected her to attack 5.02 – the new World record mark – but Isinbayeva instead asked for the bar to be set at a world-leading 4.95. Unfortunately all three attempts were unsuccessful.

Isinbayeva explained that on the eve of the meeting she was feeling slightly ill, and that although she felt fine during the competition, that she wasn't quite at her best. She thanked the crowd for their staunch support and added that it was always a pleasure to compete at home.

Comfortable win for Borzakovskiy

Despite South African Mbulaeni Mulaudzi's best efforts, it was evident from the very start that this would be Borzakovskiy's race. Before the meeting, the Olympic 800m champion said that the Russian Challenge was an important step on the way to the World championships in Osaka. And "Borza" shifted gears just after the first lap, en route to a comfortable 1:46.39 win. Mulaudzi didn’t look too upset with his 1:47.10 clocking: the main duel will took place in Japan. But the general rehearsal assured Borzakovskiy that he was on the right path.

“And besides I was running with a runny nose," Borzakovskiy said. "So, I’ll be able to run faster in several days.”

Cantwell, Taylor upstaged by Lyuboslavskiy

Arriving after their performance at Friday's Norwich Union London Grand Prix, American shot putters Christian Cantwell were looking tired. And recently-minted Russian champion Anton Lyuboslavskiy took advantage to win with a 20.41 effort. His elder teammate Pavel Sofyin took second with a 20.33 throw with Taylor just behind (20.29) and Cantwell fourth (20.15).

“My main task in the season is to get to the final of the Worlds in Osaka," said Lyuboslavskiy. "My career best set several days ago in Tula is 20.77 and I feel myself capable of improving it.”

Tatyana Lebedeva again displayed her solid form - along with her ever-jovial mood - with a 14.86 victory in the Triple Jump, well ahead of Yamile Aldama's (SUD) 14.46.

After the competition, Lebedeva said that she probably wouldn’t join the team to the city of Vladivistok - not far from Japan - prior to the World Championships. She is likely to get adapted to the time change directly in Osaka. Lebedeva is likely to compete in both horizontal jumping disciplines and the hope of her capturing a medal or two are rather high.

Elsewhere...

Yuliya Pechonkina clocked 53.92 for a commanding victory in the 400m Hurdles, well ahead of American Sandra Glover's 55.72. But the World champion and World record holder didn’t look satisfied.

"I’m still not feeling that well after all these injuries," Pechonkina said. "But I have time before the World championships and I'm sure I’ll be well prepared for the battle in Osaka."

Andrei Tereshin won the men's High Jump with a 2.30 leap. Yaroslav Rybakov looked a bit tired after winning at the Russian Nationals this week, and stopped at 2.27, but was beaten by another Russian, Pavel Fomenko, on the count back. Tomas Janku (CZE) who was picked as the main opponent for Rybakov, but the guest star managed only 2.20.

Nickolai Dolgopolov and Rostislav Orlov for the IAAF

 

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