Roman Usov comes up just short of a new PR

Even though only 5 competitors entered the 3,000 m Steeplechase competition at the “Season Opener” meet in Moscow, the reigning Russian champion Roman Usov missed his own Nation-leading time from last year by a measly 0,05 sec. This was in large part due to the effort of Pavel Potapovich, who led the race from the gun and was rewarded with a second-place finish in 8.31,93, a new PR for him. Usov, who won on the strength of his potent kick, could have enjoyed a new personal best as well, if he had only looked up at the electronic timing device at the finish and kept his composure over the last 25 m. The loss of concentration over the final meters cost him surpassing his PR of 8.26,96, which dates back to year 2000.