Reigning World Outdoor champions prevail in final meet before World Indoors

By Erik Boal, DyeStat Editor

Maria Lasitskene and Katerina Stefanidi didn't equal or surpass their season bests Sunday at the Muller Indoor Grand Prix Glasgow, but their victories extended two of the sport's most impressive streaks entering the IAAF World Indoor Championships in nearby Birmingham.

Russia's Lasitskene, an authorized neutral athlete, needed only to clear 6 feet, 4.75 inches (1.95m) to win the high jump and capture the World Indoor Tour title. It was her 37th consecutive victory, including her 10th this season.

Lasitskene, the defending World Outdoor champion, has won 16 straight indoor meets and is seeking a second World Indoor gold medal Thursday, to go along with 2014 in Sopot, Poland.

Greece's Stefanidi cleared 15-7 (4.75m) in the pole vault for her 19th win in a row, including the eighth indoors and fifth this year. Stefanidi, the reigning Olympic and World Outdoor champion, is seeking the only global gold medal that has eluded her thus far by capturing the World Indoor title March 3.

On the track, Great Britain's Tom Bosworth set the world all-time best in the 3,000-meter indoor racewalk, clocking 10:30.28, eclipsing the 2001 record of 10:31.42 held by Germany's Andreas Erm.

Kenya's Justus Kiplagat and American Paul Chelimo produced a thrilling battle in the men's 3,000. Kiplagat prevailed by a 7:39.09 to 7:39.10 margin, with Ethiopia's Yomif Kejelcha right behind in 7:39.36.

Christina Manning assured the U.S. would be represented by three athletes at World Indoors in the women's 60 hurdles by edging American record holder Sharika Nelvis by a 7.79 to 7.84 margin. Manning's victory pulled her into a tie with Nelvis atop the World Indoor Tour standings, earning her a wild-card berth to compete in Birmingham, also joining Keni Harrison.

Sweden's Khaddi Sagnia put herself in contention for a long jump gold medal March 4 with a leap of 22-8.5 (6.92m), elevating to No. 2 in the world and defeating world-leader Ivana Spanovic of Serbia, who placed third at 22-4.25 (6.81m).

Ivory Coast's Marie-Josee Ta Lou won a loaded women's 60 field in 7.07, prevailing against Great Britain's Dina Asher-Smith (7.09), Jamaica's Elaine Thompson (7.12) and Dutch star Dafne Schippers (7.22).

Poland's Adam Kszczot won the 800 in 1:47.15 to win the World Indoor Tour title and remain unbeaten in six races this season entering a potential showdown with American Donavan Brazier in Birmingham.

China's Bingtian Su also remained unbeaten this year in the men's 60, clocking 6.50. He ranks third in the world this year at 6.43, trailing Americans Christian Coleman (6.34) and Ronnie Baker (6.40).

Americans Fred Kerley (45.86) and Phyllis Francis (52.00) both triumphed in the 400. They are both part of the U.S. 4x400 relay pools at World Indoors.