Ruth Usoro obliterates PB, soars to the fifth-best jump in the world in Bermuda

Ruth Usoro's fine form to the season continued at the Bermuda Grand Prix, soaring to a Personal Best (PB) of 6.82m to finish third in the women's long jump event.

The event witnessed the beginning of a rivalry between Tara Davis-Woodhall and Quanesha Burks, go against each other as the quest to claiming the bragging rights on the better jumper between both athletes commenced.

Davis-Woodhall led with her second-round jump of 7.03m (3.7), and Burks followed with 6.85m (3.1). In the third round, Burks snatched the lead with 7.04m (2.9), and Davis-Woodhall responded with the initial mark of 7.03m (2.3).

In the sixth and final round, things switched as the latter leaped a sublime 7.11m (2.1), and Burks had no jump, thereby snatching the much-needed win, making her lead the battle in their newly found rivalry.

Their competitive spirit inspired Usoro to a lifetime best of 6.82m on her last jump, propelling her to No.5 on the world list, above compatriot Ese Brume with 6.77m.

Her mark is now an official PB after jumping the same distance at the Miramar Invitational but with a windy 2.5m/s. In the indoor season, she soared to a World Championships qualifying distance of 6.87m, making her the second-best jumper in African indoor history.

Usoro is in impressive form this season, and if she continues her progress at the rate, she may be ready to challenge for a medal at the World Championships in Budapest.