ATHLETICS: DISAPPOINTMENT FOR JACOBS, FURLANI SHINES IN LONG JUMP

In a mixed day for Italian athletics, Marcell Jacobs opened his outdoor season with a performance to forget in the 100 meters at the Paavo Nurmi Games in Turku, while Mattia Furlani returned to form in the long jump. At the Finnish meeting, the Olympic champion remained far from his usual standards, raising concerns for upcoming events.

Jacobs, the European record holder for the distance, started strong in his heat (10.30s) but faded dramatically from around the 30-meter mark in the final, finishing a modest 10.44s. He was clearly detached from the pack and seemingly gave up in the final strides. The win went to Britain's Romell Glave, who clocked a solid 10.08s.

For the Italian sprinter, who hadn't competed since September after a fourth-place finish in Bellinzona with 10.12s, an alarm bell has rung. Questions arose about whether to proceed with his planned schedule, starting with the Rome Sprint Festival on June 20 at the Stadio dei Marmi. According to the latest news, Jacobs has chosen to pause his program to readjust his preparation.

Furlani's Strong Comeback

Meanwhile, there were smiles from the long jump pit: Mattia Furlani, the indoor world champion from Nanjing, delivered a strong 8.11m leap, securing victory and a small measure of revenge against Australia's Liam Adcock, who had edged him out at the Golden Gala Pietro Mennea. This time, Adcock settled for 8.05m. Furlani, however, will be left to rue a thrilling final jump, estimated to be close to 8.35m/8.40m, which was ruled out due to a foul by a mere fraction.

Encouraging Signs in Hurdles

Positive signs also emerged from the 100-meter hurdles. Giada Carmassi, fresh off breaking Luminosa Bogliolo's Italian record in Stockholm with 12.69s, finished third in the Turku final with 12.81s after qualifying with 12.91s. Switzerland's Ditaji Kambundji won the race in 12.66s. This indicates that Italy can find some comfort in the hurdles, but for Jacobs, more than just reflection and an immediate change of course will be needed.