Simpkins Excels in Triple Jump

U.S. triple-jumper Charles Simpkins soared more than 21 inches past the World University Games record Monday with the third-longest triple jump ever.

Simpkins, of Charleston, S.C., jumped 58-0 on his first try in the competition at Kobe, Japan, and then soared 58-7 on his second, an even bigger advance on the record of 56-10 set by China’s Zou Zhenxian in 1981. Simpkins fouled on his third try and passed his final three chances.

He said he was not hurt, but that he did not want to jump again because he did not feel he could break Willie Banks’ world record of of 58-11 1/2. Alexander Yakovlev of the Soviet Union was second with 57-2, and John Herbert of Britain took the bronze with a best of 57-1 1/2.

Leandro Penalver won the men’s 200 for Cuba in 20.57 seconds, with Atlee Mahorn of Canada second in 20.65. South Korea’s Jang Jae-keun was third in 20.78. That ended Nigeria’s hopes for a second consecutive sweep of the men’s dashes, after winning the 100 and 400 earlier.

In the women’s 200, the Soviet Union’s Irina Slyusar, who had already won the 100, finished third in 22.86 as Grace Jackson of Jamaica won in 22.59, and Elzbieta Tomczak of Poland took the silver medal in 22.76.

Soviet vaulter Radion Gataullin won the pole vault at 18-10, ahead of France’s Phillipe Collet (18-8) and Dave Volz of the United States (18-4 1/2).

In women’s basketball, the Soviet Union defeated the United States, 87-81, for the gold medal. The same countries meet for the men’s championship today. The United States beat Bulgaria, 94-66, and the Soviets ousted defending champion Canada, 104-94, in Monday’s semifinals.

The women’s basketball gold and one in the men’s pole vault gave the Soviet Union 37 golds--and 69 medals in all--after nine days of the 11-day Games. The United States had 18 golds in its total of 55 medals.