Bleasdale falls short in Stockholm

For the second time in two weeks, Holly Bleasdale was forced to play second fiddle to the queen of the pole vault, Yelena Isinbayeva.

A fortnight ago in Bydgoszcz, Poland, the 20-year-old Briton lost to the Olympic champion and world record holder on countback. Last night, at the XL Galan meeting in Stockholm, Bleasdale led Isinbayeva, clearing 4.72m at the first time of asking while the Russian needed two attempts. Bleasdale then failed three times at 4.82m and Isinbayeva managed the height first time.

There was one British victor, Shana Cox winning the 400m in 53.48sec. Yamile Aldama finished third in the triple jump with 14.44m, while Joe Thomas was fourth in a high class 800m.