by Alfonz Juck
Ewa Swoboda, photo by PhotoRun.netSwoboda twice 7.13, pole vaulters tried at 590
LODZ (POL, Feb 4): Nearly 8000 spectators saw the Orlen Cup (EA Indoor Permit) here and celebrated four home winners. Ewa Swoboda confirmed her position as number one currently in the World with 7.13 (also in heats 7.13) 60 m win over Jamaican Remona Burchell 7.23 and Belarus Krystina Tsimanouskaya 7.26. Great shape also by pole vaulters as Pawel Wojciechowski and Piotr Lisek both cleared 580 and both tried at World leading 590. Third Robert Sobera 570, his best result in recent years. Olympic winner Thiago Braz was 6th (550). In his first meet of the season Konrad Bukowiecki won shot 20.95 over David Storl 20.52 and Jamaican O´Dayne Richards 20.33. European champion Michal Haratyk had three fouls and claimed the circle was not good. Fourth Polish winner was Sylwester Bednarek with 220 in the high jump. Orlando Ortega representing Spain dominated men hurdles 7.59, in wome final US Evonne Britton 8.04 over Klaudia Siciarz 8.06 and Hanna Plotitsyna 8.09 (but 8.03 in heats). Only 17 years old Pia Skrzyszowska improved hugely to 8.14 in heats and was 6th in the finals 8.42. Belarus Alyona Dubitskaya won women shot 18.64 over Klaudia Kardasz 18.14 PB and Paulina Guba 18.10. US star sprinter Mike Rodgers proved to be the best of the day in fast 6.55 ahead of Bryce Robinson 6.61 and Poland´s Remigiusz Olszewski 6.64. European indoor champs 2017 1-2 followed, Richard Kilty 6.64 and Jan Volko 6.66.
