There was a US onetwo in the men’s Triple Jump as Walter Davis claimed victory over compatriot Aarik Wilson 17.35m to 17.34m as World champion Nelson Evora finished third with 17.30m.
But it wasn’t until the last round that the contest did become an interesting competition. Up until the order of jumping was reversed for the fourth round only three times did the mark registered was over the 17-metres barrier.
At that point, Grenada’s Randy Lewis was leading with a second round effort 17.21m which seemed to be good enough for at least one of the top three positions. World bronze medallist Davis stood in second at 17.16m and Evora in third with 17.03m.
And that was it. No other marks over what is reckoned to be World class standard – until then.
Former World Championships medallist Leevan Sands of Bahamas was the first to shake things up as he moved into second with his last effort 17.07m.
A few minutes later and Wilson triple jumped into the lead improving his third round 16.94m to 17.34m as Lewis was watching what could have been his biggest career win escape from his hands.
It was then Evora’s turn to stand up to his World champion’s status. Lying in fourth before his last attempt, the Portuguese record holder lived-up to the expectations and landed just four centimetres short of the winning mark.
To top it all, Davis saved his best jump for last too and that proved to be the best jump of the whole field as the former World champion reached a season’s best 17.35m. Victory was his by just one centimetre as Lewis who had just been downgraded from first to fourth, fouled his final attempt.
“2007 has been a difficult year; early in the season I was hurt and then things got better and better for me. I could continue now! But this is my last meeting for this year,” said Davis.
Laura Arcoleo
