Kendricks retains crown in epic pole vault final

Team USA’s Sam Kendricks retained his crown at the IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2019 following an epic men’s pole vault final at the Khalifa International Stadium yesterday.

Not much could be separated between Kendricks and Sweden’s 19-year-old Armand Duplantis as both amused the spectators with their outstanding performances in the sea-saw final.

With both Kendricks and Duplantis eventually failing to clear 6.02m after leaping through the 5.97 barrier, the American emerged as champion, thanks to his earlier first time clearance at 5.92m.

In the 5.87m barrier, Kendricks, missed two attempts and was on the brink of exit before he made a strong comeback in his final attempt. Soon after that, he cleared 5.92m in the first attempt that gave him victory in the exciting final.

“I am elated, stunned, excited all at the same time,” Kendricks said after his victory yesterday.

“My goodness it was a memorable night, a great competition between the guys slated to go for the medals,” the American star added.

Duplantis took the silver medal while Poland’s Piotr Lisek won the bronze medal, with a clearance of 5.87.

Olympic champion Thiago Braz, who failed with his opening attempt at 5.55m, could mark his best of 5.70 and was settled at 5th position.

Barber stuns Liu to make history for Australia

The women’s javelin throw final saw Australia’s Kelsey-Lee Barber hurling 66.56 in her last attempt to become world champion, leaving China’s Shiyung Liu stunned. With the triumph, Barber became the first Australian to win a javelin gold at World Championships.

The fans erupted in joy with the stunning throw by the Aussie that gave her gold. Liu, who was leading throughout the final, took silver for her throw of 65.88. Liu’s compatriot, Huihui Lyu, coming to Doha with wins in last 12 successive meets, collected bronze for hurling 65.49m.