Greg Rutherford extends unbeaten run ahead of Rio Olympics

BySportsbeat

Updated 21/05/2016 at 14:59 GMT

Greg Rutherford soared to victory at the Great CityGames Manchester to extend his unbeaten run to five competitions this season as he bids to retain his Olympic title in Rio.

Britain's Greg Rutherford celebrates winning the final of the men's long jump athletics event

Image credit: AFP

Rutherford produced a final jump of 8.20m to set a new Games record and triumph in his first competition on British soil since being crowned World champion last year.

The 29-year-old finished more than half a metre ahead of his rivals and just 10cm short of his season's best, and is confident he can continue his winning form.

"I'll try to maintain that unbeaten run for the rest of the year," he said. "I'm very, very happy. To get 8.20m on boards like that is very good.

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"One thing I'm trying to maintain is going over eight metres every time. The last time I didn't was in 2014.

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"I had a perfect season last year and want to try and maintain it this year."

Later on, European champion Tiffany Porter was victorious in the 100m hurdles, clocking a time of 12.89 seconds.

"The championships are the main focus," said the world indoor 60m bronze medallist. "We're still in some heavy training so I'm pleased to come away with the win."

Elsewhere, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey won the men's 150m in a time of 15.10 seconds.

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