Duplantis (22) had had a perfect year so far, with 17 victories in as many competitions, including 14 above six meters, three world records, plus world and European gold.
The beautiful Swedish mechanics suddenly stopped on Friday evening and "Mondo" peaked at 5.81 m, when the Filipino Ernest John Obiena crossed 5.91 m on his third and last try.
Enough to relegate the Scandinavian pole vaulter to an unusual second place.
This is his first defeat for a little over a year, after winning twenty competitions in a row.
The latest dated back to August 26, 2021 in Lausanne (Switzerland).
"Of course I didn't jump as I would have liked. I'm sure I could have jumped higher. I'm human and I make mistakes, I made some today. is certain", conceded the Olympic and world champion.
"I couldn't find the right rhythm on the runway. My mind was elsewhere. It happens sometimes. It's not easy. You have to be at a precise angle and have speed to take off and I did not succeed today", he added before planning for his next meeting, in a week.
"In Zurich, I will try to come back a little stronger. I want to end the year on a high note," he concluded.
© 2022 AFP