Beckford defeats Gaisah

DESSAU, Germany: Jamaica’s James Beckford leapt a seasonal best of 8.09m to capture the men’s Long Jump title at the Leichtathletik - Meeting "Anhalt 2007" which took place at the Paul- Greifzu Stadium in Dessau, Germany on June 1.

Beckford, the 1996 Olympic silver medallist, who also won a silver medal at the IAAF World Indoor Championships in Budapest eight years later, defeated reigning world indoor and Commonwealth champion, Ignisious Gaisah of Ghana, who beat the Jamaican to win the title last year.

The 32-year-old jumper who owns a personal best of 8.62m, but has failed to medal at a major championship since his performance in Budapest, was claiming his third title this season, following his wind affected 8.07m in Lake Buena Vista and his 8.03m performance in Bottrop.

Beckford was the only competitor to leap over the 8m barrier, as Gaisah could only manage a best of 7.97m, two centimeters further than his winning mark last year to take second.

Botswanan Gable Garenamotse, who also took third last year, leapt a best effort of 7.81m to take another third place finish.