Rybakov loses to new Russian hope
17.01.2006
Trinec, Czech Republic - New Russian hope and current world leader (2.32m) in the men’s High Jump Ivan Ukhov was the dominant figure of the first leg of 2nd Moravia High Jump Tour held on Monday evening (16) in Trinec. But it was a Czech affair at the top of the women’s division.
Women’s winner Barbora Lalakova and second placed Iva Strakova, both Czechs, not only jumped on their first attempts the Moscow World Indoor Championships qualifying standard of 1.92m but also equalled the current world leading mark. They then both tried a new meeting record height of 1.95m but neither were successful. The packed hall with nearly 2000 spectators then witnessed a jump-off for the win which a tired Lalakova took at 1.91m.
On the men’s side only the Russian youngster Ivan Ukhov was really close to 2.30m. He achieved his winning mark of 2.28m on his first attempt, and had unsuccessful tries at 2.31 and 2.33m. Czech Tomas Janku was second on the same height of 2.28m (second attempt), while Russian Yaroslav Rybakov, the joint leader of IAAF World Ranking for the event (with Stefan Holm) was tied for third with Czech Svatoslav Ton on 2.24.
“Of course I´m happy that I won and was able to beat Rybakov (3rd equal on 2.24m). But it is only the start of the season so we should see later. Yaroslav will for sure come back to his usual results. I wanted to do 2.31 and 2.33, but my technique was not at its best. Hopefully in next two competitions I will be able to do it,“ said Ukhov.
The Moravia High Jump Tour now moves to Ostrava, 18 January.
Alfons Juck for the IAAF