22nd June 2013 04:34
With 195 points, the Czech team sits pretty on the leader board ahead of Romania 167 and Sweden 162.5 points. Portugal staged a late recovery to finish the day fourth with 148.5, just two points ahead of the Netherlands. Riding on some enthusiastic home support and impressive performances from a very young squad, hosts Ireland finished in the top half with 139 points.
At the pre-event press conference Zuzana Hejnova had warned that Czech Republic is no longer the team that it used to be two years ago. It's much better today. And she led the way on Saturday in demonstrating what she meant.
Hejnova, who was competing in the flat 400m instead of her specialized 400m hurdles, had little problem in winning the race in 51.90. Starting in the fourth lane, Hejnova took no time in overtaking Madiea Ghafoor of the Netherlands on her right, she only got stronger as the race progressed and once on home straight she was way just too good for her main challengers Adelina Pastor of Romania and Sweden's European champion Moa Hjelmer. The former finished second in 52.64 while Hjelmer had to contend with the third place in 52.89.
'I'm very happy. It was very strong winds and I think it's a great performance for these conditions,' said Hejnova.
Denisa Rosolova, effortlessly stepped into the shoes of Hejnova and nailed the 400m hurdles clocking 55.34. Romania's Angela Morosanu finished second in 56.67 while local hero Barr Jessie collected 10 important points for the home team.
Veteran high jumper Jaroslav Baba coolly leaped over 2.20m on his first attempt but even with all his experience he could not negotiate the next height of 2.25m in taxing weather conditions. However he had done enough on his first attempt to ensure full marks for his team. Mihai Donisan of Romania cleared 2.20m on his second attempt but lost out to the veteran Czech on countback. Finland Jussi Viita claimed third place with a first attempt clearance of 2.15m.
Pole vault event became even more challenging as lateral winds at the Morton Stadium never allowed anyone to get into any sort of rhythm. However European champion Jirina Svobodova used her experience to clear 4.40m on her first attempt, but after one failed attempt at 4.50m she decided to skip her remaining attempts. However her 4.40m clearance proved sufficient for a win on the day. Tori Pena of Ireland took 11 points for the hosts with a 4.30m clearance and Minna Nikkanen finished third also clearing 4.30 on second attempt.
Shot putter Ladislav Prasil delived when it mattered most. Under pressure from Bulgaria's Georgi Ivanov, who went into an early lead producing a throw of 20.29m in the second round, Prasil produced a mammoth 20.62m throw in the final round. Ivanov responded strongly but his throw fell short of the Czech shot putter by 9cms. Portugal's Marco Fortes collected 9 useful points for his team finishing third with a 20.04m.
The biggest cheer of the day was naturally saved for home star Brian Gregan who stormed to an emphatic victory in the 400m clocking 46.32. In the absence of former European champion Kevin Borlee, who withdrew due to an injury, Seppe Thijs showcased Belgium's amazing ability to churn out world class 400m runners. The 20-year-old clocked 46.96 to take the second spot, and with it 11 points for his country. Sweden's Axel Berrahm completed the top three with a time of 47.07m.
'It was all about the win here, the main thing was the win and get the 12 points on the board for Ireland. I have never run in wind like that. Coming down the home straight, may as well have been walking. It was so windy but as I said it was all about the win,' said Gregan.
Bulgaria's European 100m champion Ivet Lalova showed her class braving an almost impossible headwind of -5.5 to clock 11.79 to win the women's 100m ahead of an equally impressive Katerina Chechova of the Czech Republic who cantered home in 11.85. Irene Ekelund of Sweden also collected 10 points for her team finishing third in 11.95.
The Netherland's Churandy Martina, like Hejnova, delivered on his promise taking the 100m in 10.46 (-3.6) ahead of Denis Dimitrov of Bulgaria who clocked 10.76. Jason Smyth delighted the home crowd taking the third place in 10.78. However Martina's team may find it tough to finish in the top three and earn promotion to the Super League next year, with both Romania and Sweden going very strong at number two and three with 163 and 162.5 points respectively.
Finland with 130 points leads the bottom half at the end of day one, with Bulgaria at 114 and Belgium 112.5 taking the eighth and ninth spot respectively. Hungary (109), Estonia (108) and Switzerland (102) will have to come up with very strong performances on Sunday if they have to have any chance of avoiding relegation to the 2nd League.
The top three teams in Dublin will be promoted to the Super League next year slated to be held in
Braunschweig, Germany.
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