Mahan, Pinki post hat-trick, Anju disappoints

Pune, May 26 (UNI) Ace Indian long jumper Anju Bobby George failed to avenge her defeat against Olga Rypokova of Kazakhstan in the final leg of the Asian Grand Prix meeting, which concluded at the newly laid synthic track of the Baburao Sanas stadium here.

World number four Anju Bobby George, being afflicted with the sore hill injury suffered in the Doha Super Grand Prix meeting on May 12 last, made the bold effort with a strapped right heel.

Despite the swelling in her heels, she jumped to clear 6.48 meters to grab the silver, whereas Olga leapt to a distance of 6.61 meters to win the gold, while Torres Marestella of Phillipines picked up the bronze.

The tone was set by the spirited 19-year-old Pinki, a ticket checker from Eastern Railway who monopolised the women's 800 and 400 meters run to record a profitable double in the 50,000 dollar prize money meeting.

On the other hand, the tall athletically built Mahan Singh won the men's long jump with a leap of 7.73 meters to record the seasons best effort. Mahan, pushed back the efforts of compatriot Shiv Shankar Yadav and Dagnil Henry of Phillipines who were to rest content with the silver and the bronze.

Pinki overcame discomforting stomach pain to capture the gold in the women's 800 meters stopping the clock at 2:03:23. Shanti Sunder Rajan, also of India clocked 2:04:44 to pocket the silver, while Sinimol Paulose finished in a time of 2:05:28 to take the bronze and in the process completed the sweep.

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