Yelena Isinbayeva lost an indoor competition for the first time since February 2004 as the Russian pole-vaulter was beaten by Svetlana Feofanova in Bydgoszcz.

The world record holder cleared 461cm on her first attempt before missing 476cm once and 481 cm twice.

Isinbayeva's indoor winning streak had lasted 15 competitions since the 2004 World Indoor Championships in Budapest.

Her last indoor defeat was in Athens on February 22 in 2004 when she jumped 450cm and came second to Svetlana Feofanova.

"My body was not working well after much travelling over the last days. Straight from Donetsk I flew to St. Petersburg for the Laureus Awards and then again here.

"I was aware it was a risk and that I would not be in the best condition, but I was still thinking something around 480 would be enough to win today.

"There was nothing in my legs," she added. "But it was difficult to say no to any of my commitments. In this respect I'm not disappointed."

Isinbayeva heads to France soon and will be spend several days there in quiet preparation for her next meeting in Aubiere on February 26.

Her Russian rival Svetlana Feofanova who was her last beater in Athens 2004 won also this time with clearing 471 in first, passing 476 and missing 481 cm. She also was not close to this heights. Isinbayeva tied for 2nd place with Poland´s Monika Pyrek who also jumped 461 in first attempt. Fourth Yulia Golubchikova also went over 461 cm, but in second attempt.

Reigning world indoor champion Yaroslav Rybakov dominated in the packed hall (6000 spectators) in the men´s High Jump contest. He achieved 230, 232 and 234 in first jump and went straight to attack new Russian record and world leading 240 cm. Other Russian Aleksey Dmitrik achieved 230 in third attempt and that was enough for second place. Other jumpers struggled at 230 as Czechs Tomas Janku and Jaroslav Baba tied for 3rd with 224. Janku passed 227 and attacked directly 230, the same world champion Donald Thomas of Bahamas but did 224 only in third and ended fifth. Other world champion Yuri Krimarenko of Ukraine achieved only 220 and finished seventh.

Results

Women: (1) Feofanova 471 (2) Isinbayeva and Pyrek 461 (4) Golubchikova 461 (5) Rogowska 451

Men: (1)Rybakov 234 (2) Dmitrik 230 (3) Janku and Baba 224 (5) Thomas 224 (6) Bieniek 220 (7) Krimarenko 220

EME / Eurosport