Sebrle moves into the lead in Decathlon
The fury of Nature became a determining factor in the high jump, as strong winds and rain hindered the competitors, especially as the event was coming to a conclusion and the big points were waiting to be collected.
Roman Sebrle (CZE) dealt with the inclement weather better than his rival Bryan Clay (USA). The Czech leaped 2.06 to take his first lead of the day and now enjoys a thin 27-point cushion over the American, 3634 to 3607.
Only a light rain was falling for a few of the jumps at 2.03, but then a torrential downpour—complete with lightning and thunder—eventually interrupted the competition for two hours.
Sebrle was able to get in a third-round clearance at 2.03 while conditions were normal, but less than three minutes later, as the rain started to fall, Clay endured his final failure at that height to end with 2.00.
Then, with the drops falling even more frequently, the Czech then showed his fierce competitive spirit at 2.06 as he leaped the height on his first attempt. It turned out to be his high-water point for the night, but it was enough to give him the overall lead against the American as only the 400 metres remains on tonight’s schedule.
The top jumper of the evening was Attila Zsivoczky (HUN) who ended with 2.15 and enough points to land in fifth place at 3482.
The superiority of the Hungarian, who has been training this season with Sebrle, was not surprising, considering that his PB of 2.22 was the best of the field.
After the rain delay, Aleksandr Pogorelov (RUS) came back rejuvenated by his two-hour rest and promptly cleared 2.06, followed by 2.09, to move into third with 3556, while the fourth spot is occupied by Kristjan Rahnu (EST) at 3523 after a 2.03 leap.
Although currently only in ninth place with 3391, Aleksey Drozdov (RUS) had one of the most spectacular clearances of the competition as he leaped 2.06 when the conditions were at their absolute worst.
