Lin Yu-tang secures spot in long jump final at Asian championships

Taipei, May 29 (CNA) Taiwanese defending gold medalist Lin Yu-tang (林昱堂) advanced to the men's long jump final at the 2025 Asian Athletics Championships in Gumi, South Korea, on Thursday.

Lin achieved his best jump of 7.82 meters on the first attempt, placing him third overall among 12 qualified long jumpers after Anvar Anvarov of Uzbekistan and Keito Yamaura of Japan who posted 7.97 meters and 7.95 meters, respectively.

The qualification round was divided into two groups and saw 18 athletes each given three attempts to record their best legal jump, with the top 12 advancing to the final.

Taiwanese long jump coach Tsai Yi-ta (蔡易達) told CNA that the goal for Lin on Thursday was mainly to get accustomed to the venue and a feel for the competition atmosphere.

He chose to forego his third jump to rest and focus on preparing for the final, Tsai explained, noting that Lin is looking to defend his title.

Lin won the gold medal with 8.40 meters at the 2023 Asian Athletics Championships in Bangkok.

Meanwhile, Taiwanese long jumper Lin Chia-hsing (林佳興) was the last person on Thursday to qualify after achieving his best distance of 7.31 meters.

The Asian Athletics Championships is a biennial event organized by the Asian Athletics Association. The latest edition is being held in South Korea from May 27-31.