Estonia’s Gerd Kanter was the first Osaka World champion to claim victory at the IAAF VTB World Athletics Final here in Stuttgart as he unleashed a second-round winning effort of 66.54 metres in the men’s Discus Throw.
"I thought that one would have to throw 68 metres to win," said Kanter. "But as you can see we are all a bit tired. After Osaka I got sick, I had a cold so I guess I am no longer in the shape I had in Japan."
The two-time Olympic and two-time World champion Virgilijus Alekna of Lithuania who finished a disappointing fourth three weeks ago in Osaka, his first defeat after 37 successive wins, had to be content with second as he was unable to improve on his opening throw of 65.94m.
Polish record holder Piotr Malachowksi unleashed a 65.35m effort with his second attempt, a performance which was good enough for third today.
Germany’s local hero, Robert Harting could not repeat his silver medal winning form from Osaka coming close to yet again another podium performance in fourth with a last round 65.25m.
Throwing seventh, Alekna took a short-lived lead as he responded to Kanter’s first round 63.52m, but it wasn’t to be Alekna’s return to winning ways today. With the top five positions decided after the second round, the only excitement that came in the fourth and final round was the crowd’s support for Harting’s final throw.
Laura Arcoleo
