Bangkok, Thailand, December 17, 2025: Ernest John (EJ) Obiena of the Philippines reinforced his Southeast Asian dominance in the men’s pole vault to win gold at the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand.
There was further joy for the Philippines with tennis star Alex Eala, ranked 53 in the world, reaching the women’s singles final where she will come up against home hope and world No. 240 Mananchaya Sawangkaew in the gold medal tie on Thursday, December 18.
Filipino vaulter EJ Obiena seized his fourth consecutive regional title by setting a new meet record of 5.70 metres at Bangkok’s Suphachalasai National Stadium on Tuesday, December 16.
Both he and Thai Amsamarng Patsapong cleared the height, which was 5cm higher than the previous SEA Games record. Neither man was able to clear 5.75m, and Obiena took the gold due to clearing 5.70m on his first attempt compared to the Thai’s third.
“I’m happy, but that was a little bit too close for comfort. I went out to win and that’s what I did. I love to see that the level is getting higher,” Obiena told Olympics.com.
Obiena’s teammate Elijah Kevin Cole took the bronze medal with a jump of 5.20m.
