Helsinki Track : Petranoff Sets Best in Javelin

American Tom Petranoff set a world-best mark at a Mobil Grand Prix track and field meet at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium Monday night.

Petranoff, the former world record-holder, tossed the new-style javelin 280 feet 1 inch for the best mark in the world. The new type of javelin has a forward center of gravity and is designed to stick in the ground when it hits.

“My next goal will be 90 meters (295 feet),” Petranoff said after his record throw.

Petranoff earned a loud ovation a crowd of 12,600 fans and was awarded the World Games trophy for the best performance of the night.

The previous world best mark for the new style javelin was 274-6 1/2, held by Viktor Yevsukov of the Soviet Union.

Pierre Deleze of Switzerland won the 5,000 meters in 13:15.31 for the world-best mark of the season. Belgium’s Vincent Rousseau was second in 13:16.66.

Yuri Sedykh of the Soviet Union, a two-time Olympic champion, won the hammer throw at 276-0 1/2, followed by countryman Sergei Litvinov at 275-8.

France’s Philippe Collet won the pole vault in a stadium record of 18-8 1/2.

Morocco’s Said Aouita was sidelined for the men’s 1,500 meters. He hurt his ankle in Oslo’s 10,000 meters Saturday. Jose Louis Gonzalez of Spain won the event in 3:35.19.

“I’ll try 10,000 meters again some time next year,” said Aouita, who is resting for a couple of weeks on doctor’s orders.

Other dropouts included American stars Valerie Brisco-Hooks and Edwin Moses.

Other men’s winners included: 110 hurdles--Mark McKoy; 13.47; 400--Sunder Nix, 45.18. 400 hurdles--Danny Harris, 48.85. 800--James Robinson, 1:46.72.