Maksim Nedasekau, photo by the IAAF
This is the report by Alfons Juck for EME News on Day 1 of the The Match: Team Europe vs Team USA.
Europe leads by 16 points, Nedasekau 235 WL
MINSK (BLR, Sep 9): Europe leads by 16 points after day one of historical The Match Europe vs USA 328 to 312 points. In nice weather some 20 000 followed colourful opening ceremony and then interesting fights for points where Europe was having during the hole session the lead. But it is a lead which is not guaranteeing the final victory, interestingly US won 12 out of 18 events on Monday, Europe six but were better on the depth of the team. Home star Maksim Nedasekau cleared World leading 235 cm and could continue as the winner has no limit with 8 attempts (tried 3 times at 237). Second Ilya Ivanyuk also good 231. Another top mark in shot put as US Darrell Hill got 22.35 over Konrad Bukowiecki 21.92 and Filip Mihaljevic 21.60. Top women results in pole vault 485 by Anzhelika Sidorova with Olympic winner Katerini Stefanidi, US Katie Nageotte and Angelica Bengtsson cleared 470. Sandra Perkovic also with her final throw got excellent 67.65. Other European wins for Pawel Fajdek in hammer 80.71, among women Darryl Neita in the 100 m 11.29 (over Dezerea Bryant 11.30), Alexandra Bell in tactical 800 m 2:04.81. US got men´s 100 m 10.20 by Mike Rodgers (-1.1), 400 m by Michael Cherry 45.13 and Wadeline Jonathas 51.01 (ahead of Allyson Felix 51.36), 1500 m for Joshua Thompson 3:38.88, 3000 m for Elise Cranny 9:00.70 and Hillary Bor steeple 8:32.64. In technical events Tori Franklin was the best in triple 14.36 (+0.8) and Kara Winger surprisingly in javelin with last throw 64.63 over home star Tatsyana Khaladovich 64.41. Interesting situation in men´s long jump as three achieved 817. Winner Damarcus Simpson had 2nd best another 817 (two PB´s), 2nd Miltiadis Tentoglou 810 and third Eusebio Caceres 796. US won both relays in 38.26 and 43.36. Second day is promising even more tougher fight for the overall win.
MINSK NEWS
MINSK (BLR): Despite innovative format (8 attempts available) men´s high jump brought World leading mark.
MINSK (BLR): At least 16 international broadcasters are transmitting coverage of the The Match Europe v USA, European Athletics reported. In addition to the 108 hours of live and recorded TV coverage, internet streaming is available on the Eurovision All-Athletics platform.
MINSK (BLR): US steeple runners Hillary Bor and Mason Ferlic were reinstated after initial disqualification for running out of their lane.
MINSK (BLR): In his opening speech at Opening Ceremony president of the countrx Aleksandr Lukashenko mentioned that Belarus might stage this match also in future.
