Spanovic excels at Malmo meeting

MALMO - Serbian track and field athlete Ivana Spanovic excelled at the Malmo meeting late Wednesday by winning the long jump event with a 6.99 m leap and setting the new Serbian national record.

Spanovic produced the jump in her first attempt, followed by two 6.96 m leaps. The fourth attempt measured 6.94 m, the fifth 6.76 m and the last 6.78 m. According to the final, official standings, Spanovic was awarded 6.83 m for the winning jump.

With the excellent performance, the Serbian record holder finished ahead of major rivals Christabel Nettey of Canada, who tops the world rankings, and world champion Eloyse Lesueur.

Germany's Sosthene Moguenara finished second (6.75 m), with Nettey in third (6.69 m).

Spanovic's excellent performance in Malmo is the best build-up to the European indoor championships, to be held in Prague on March 6-8.

Photo Tanjug/D. Stankovic (archive)