Isinbayeva's win in France boosts hers confidence

Russia's pole vaulting legend Yelena Isinbayeva won on her first appearance at an open air athletics meeting this season here on Tuesday just under a month ahead of her bid for a third successive Olympic title.

The 30-year-old - who won her fourth world indoor title earlier this year in Istanbul - won with a best vault of 4.75 metres, which she achieved on her first attempt.

Yelena Isinbayeva during the women's pole vault final at the 2012 IAAF World Indoor Athletics in Istanbul recently. Pic/AFP

Isinbayeva, who had pulled out of the meeting in Reims last week because she said she wasn't ready, tried her luck at what would have been a season best 4.85m but failed in her three attempts.

Nevertheless she was happy at her evening's work and looking forward to competing at the higher-profile Monaco meeting on July 20 before heading for London.

"I am happy with my victory. I have a huge amount of potential to improve. But I still have adjustments to do," she said. - u00a0