Enekwechi Finishes Fourth Despite Strong Start as Charlton Wins Battle of World Champions in the Hurdles
Chukwuebuka Enekwechi’s bid for a maiden World Indoor Tour Gold victory fell short at the ORLEN Copernicus Cup, the eighth and final leg of the 2026 series, despite opening strongly with a 21.22m throw in the first round.
The Nigerian, 33, was unable to sustain that momentum, recording 20.82m, 20.89m and 20.96m in subsequent rounds before fouling his fifth attempt.
His early effort had placed him second, but he eventually slipped to fourth as two‑time world champion and three‑time Olympic silver medalist Joe Kovacs claimed victory with his commanding 21.92m opening round effort.
Roger Steen (21.62m) finished second, Leonardo Fabbri (21.43m) third, while Jordan Geist emerged overall tour champion, securing the $10,000 bonus prize.
In the women’s 60m hurdles, billed as the clash of world champions, Bahamian star Devynne Charlton lived up to her billing.
The reigning world indoor champion and record holder stormed to victory in 7.77 seconds, a season’s best and meeting record.
World outdoor champion Ditaji Kambundji of Switzerland followed closely in 7.78, also a season’s best, with Dutch athlete Nadine Visser third in 7.80.
The women’s 60m sprint produced another highlight as Italy’s Zaynab Dosso delivered a breakthrough performance. She clocked 6.99 seconds, setting a new personal best, meeting record, and national record to secure victory.
