Ivan Ukhov in Hustopece (© moravskavyskarskatour.cz)
Ivan Ukhov raised his own world lead in the High Jump to 2.34m while Ariane Freidrich equalled her own season-pacing mark with a two metre clearance at the 10th Hustopecske skakani event in Hustopece, Czech Republic on Saturday (24).
Nearly 1000 spectators watched an impressive jumping display by Ukhov who cleared all heights through 2.31 with his first attempt before he needed a second try to better his own world lead from Wednesday in Trinec (21) to 2.34.
"It was an excellent surface," said Ukhov. "Maybe I wanted too much at 2.37. It was too heavy. My next goal is the Russian record."
The others were not able to clear 2.30 Alexander Shustov was second (2.27) and with leading Czech, Jaroslav, Baba third (2.27). Former world season leader Andrey Tereshin had problems with his knee and managed just 2.23 for seventh.
Friedrich consistent
Friedrich, who over the winter has changed her hair colour to become a blond (in case anyone is confused when looking at the attached photograph), was very impressive in achieving a clear two metre clearance with her first attempt, setting a new meet record, equalling her mark from last weekend. She followed up with three solid efforts at 2.03m.
"Although I wanted to jump higher I'm satisfied, all went well technically," Freidrich said. "Especially the two metres jump was very safe."
Friedrich had a very high opening, beginning the competition at 1.88, followed by 1.95, clearing both with her first attempts before moving immediately to two metres. Her next competition is slated for Gothenburg on 29 January.
A new Russian name, Irina Gordeyeva, improved to a solid 1.98 with her third attempt, to finish second. The top Czech, Iva Strakova, had an excellent first try at 1.95 and after two misses at 1.98, used her last remaining attempt for a new Czech record of two metres, but came up short.
Kamila Stepaniuk of Poland was fourth with a 1.92 personal best. Olympic Heptathlon champion Natalya Dobrynska tested her fitness with a 1.74 clearand and solid attempts at 1.80.
The meet was the final leg of the Fifth Moravia High Jump Tour. Strakova (3.87) and Ukhov (4.67) were the tour winners.
Alfons Juck for the IAAF
