Olympic high jump: Ukhov wins gold for Russia

London: Russian high jumper Ivan Ukhov soared to Olympic gold Tuesday, clearing 2.38 metres to pip Erik Kynard of the US to the title.

Ukhov entered the competition as hot favourite after posting a world-leading 2.39 in Cheboksary, Russia, in March, and justified the tag by clearing five consecutive heights with just one fail. Kynard cleared 2.33 before knocking the bar over at 2.36, 2.38 and 2.40. Derek Drouin of Canada and Mutaz Essa Barshim of Qatar shared the bronze with 2.29. Ukhov`s was Russia`s sixth gold medal of the Olympic Games. IANS