China's Wang Yu has won the gold medal at the men's high jump final at the Asian Games.
Woo Sang-hyeok of Republic of Korea grabbed the silver medal with a height of 2.28 meters. Japan's Naoto Tobe and Syria's Majd Eddin Ghzal both ranked the third with 2.24 meters. Meanwhile, the bronze medal meant more to Ghzal as it is the country's first medal in Jakarta.
Wang, 27, clinched the title as the only one who cleared 2.30 meters in his first attempt. He then tried to renew his personal best of 2.33 meters by challenging 2.34 meters, but failed twice. He finished the fourth during his Asian Games debut in Incheon four years ago.
Wang Yu competes in the men's high jump final during the Asian Games on August 27, 2018. /VCG Photo
"I'm not at my prime time. My performance tonight can only be called so-so because other athletes gave me a lot of pressure. But I'm still very happy to win the gold medal," Wang said.
"I can see my improvement this time and it gives me a lot of confidence to fight for Tokyo Olympic Games," he added.
"Actually, it's not my day. I can jump 2.40. It's an easy height for me. It's my third Asian Games and I won the first medal (at this Asian Games) for my country. It means so much," said the 31-year-old Syrian, who has also cast his eyes on Tokyo.
Ghzal hoped to do better at the Doha World Championship next year and then at Tokyo Olympic Games.
(L-R) Silver medalist Woo Sangh-yeok of Republic of Korea, gold medalist Wang Yu of China and bronze medalists Syria's Majd Eddin Ghzal and Japan's Naoto Tobe celebrate during the victory ceremony for the men's high jump athletics event during the 2018 Asian Games on August 27, 2018. /VCG Photo
"I will definitely be there. Everyone wants a medal at Olympic Games, any color, but it's tough. So I will prepare myself, step by step," Ghzal said.
"I also want to tell the world Syria is getting better day by day. You are welcome to my home," he added.