The British 20-year-old nevertheless underlined her London 2012 potential as she beat a field including the former world record holder Svetlana Feofanova from the Czech Republic and Poland's multiple World Championship medallist Monika Pyrek.

Last month, Bleasdale moved to fourth in the all-time list, and second indoors behind Isinbayeva, when she cleared 4.87m in Lyon.

The Blackburn Harrier also beat 2009 world champion Anna Rogowska, who vaulted 4.60m in her first outing of the season, into third and Pan American champion Yarisley Silva finished fourth.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
January 2012: Bleasdale pole vaults into Olympic contention at top of world rankings