December 17, 2025
BANGKOK – EJ Obiena bucked the challenge of Thailand’s Amsamang Patsapong to win his fourth men’s pole vault gold in the Southeast Asian Games on Tuesday here.
Obiena and the hometown bet both set a Games record of 5.70 meters at Supachalasai Stadium, but the Olympian went on to take the gold via countback.
Patsapong, who failed on his first two attempts, settled for silver, while another Filipino entry, Elijah Cole, took the bronze at 5.20.
“It’s too close for comfort,” Obiena said.
He and Patsapong broke the previous mark of 5.65 set by Obiena two years ago in Cambodia.
It was the fifth gold for the Philippines to close out the track and field competitions.
John Cabang Tolentino ruled the men’s 110-meter hurdles while Hokett Delos Santos was the winner in men’s decathlon.
Hussein Lorana and Naomi Cesar swept the men’s and women’s 800-meter events.