Donald Thomas at the IAAF Continental Cup Ostrava 2018 (© Getty Images)
In a tight men's high jump competition, Bahamian Donald Thomas beat Brandon Starc on countback at 2.30m.
The pair were even through 2.24m, producing clean score sheets until 2.27m, which Thomas, the 2007 world champion, sailing clear on his first attempt while Starc, this year's Diamond League champion, needing a second try before moving on.
Maksim Nedasekau of Belarus was still in the contest then, topping 2.27 on his first attempt after needing two tries at 2.24m.
After trading a pair of misses at 2.30m, both Thomas and Starc cleared on their third tries to stay alive. Meanwhile, Nedasekau, the European silver medallist, bowed out.
Neither was especially close at 2.32m, with Thomas choosing to end the competition with one try at 2.34m before calling it a day.
"It was an absolutely great competition," Thomas said. "It's a different feeling when you repreent Bahamas internationally and all the continents." Looking ahead Thomas said he just wants to simply continue to compete injury-free. "Look, I became world champion nine years ago and I'm still here able to win at major competitions. Could I be more happy?"
Majd Eddin Ghazal of Syria was fourth at 2.24m, combining with Starc to take maximum points for Team Asia-Pacific.
Bob Ramsak for the IAAF
