29.08.2008

5.06m for Isinbayeva and Wroe the lone Australian in Zurich

The highlight of Weltklasse in Zurich was meant to be the continued fight for the $1 million AF Golden League jackpot in this, the penultimate meet of the six-from-six challenge. That all changed when Russian vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva soared to a world record of 5.06m in the pole vault, upping her 2008 mark by one centimetre.

In Berlin last week, Isinbayeva finished out of the medals for the first time in five majors, after her gamble to enter the competition at a very late 4.75m failed.

"It was interesting that I did not feel any pressure coming into today's competition. I knew I was in good shape and the world record confirms that I am here and ready to jump high."

She again took only three jumps, but on this occasion they were all successes as she was clean over 4.71m and 4.81m before attempting the record height.

"My biggest thanks go to my coach Vitaliy Petrov. He gave me the best advice after what happened in Berlin," said the exuberant Russian.

Isinbayeva joined American Sanya Richards and Ethiopian Kenenisa Bekele as the surviving trio in the hunt for the $1 million prize as Jamaican Kerron Stewart's fate was sealed by defeat at the hands of world bronze medallist Carmelita Jeter in the women's 100m.

Richard dipped under 49 seconds for only the third time in her career to record 48.94 in winning the women's 400m. In the process she defeated three-time 200m world champion Allyson Felix (49.83).

World record-holder Kenenisa Bekele was again in a class of his own winning the 5000m in 12.52.32 as four others followed him under the 13-minute barrier including Dathan Ritzenhein, whose 12:56.27 was an American record.

Olympic and world champion Usain Bolt, looking somewhat drained after a second global championships where he stunned the world with more record sprinting, took more time than usual to gather in rival Asafa Powell, winning in 9.81 to Powell's 9.88.

"I was a little bit tired through the race. All things considered, the time is not bad," said the world's fastest man.

Bolt is scheduled for two or three more races this year, "definitely Brussels and Shanghai", but it may not be long before Australians get to see the Jamaican superstar.

"I've been told Australia is a lot of fun. I'm looking forward to coming down there," he said.

Powell, who has been a regular on the domestic scene since 2006 when he won Commonwealth Games gold in Melbourne, is playing his part in coaxing his friend and compatriot down under.

"I've given him some real good stories about Australia so he is excited about coming," said Powell, who seems certain to return.

"Australia is like my second home, so I'll definitely be there."

Five days after anchoring Australia to bronze in the 4 x 400m at the world championships in Berlin, Sean Wroe was the lone Australian competing at the best one-day meet in the world.

A weary Wroe trailed the 400m field home in eighth place with 46.55, a time not reflective of the good form that saw him also reach his third consecutive individual global semi-final just over a week ago.

"Physically I am alright. I do feel a little flat after world champs," Wroe said.

"It was just such a high to get that bronze medal and then next thing I am on a flight to Zurich."

Running for the first time in Zurich, the Victorian savoured the moment.

"It was a good atmosphere out there. I have no problem messing it with these guys, I just wish I did a little bit better. "

World champion LaShawn Merritt's winning margin was smaller than in Berlin, but he was every bit as dominant, winning with ease in 44.21.

Former world champion Jeremy Wariner was second in 44.62, but Merritt's year-long winning streak over the Texan does not look like ending any time soon.

The sixth and final meet in the AF Golden League series takes place in Brussels next Friday.