By James Crook

Abebe Fekadu beijing 2008June 16 - Ethiopian-Australian Paralympian Abebe Fekadu has become the first Australian Powerlifting Grand Prix champion after doing enough to secure the title in the final round in Brisbane.

The 43-year-old, who lives in Queensland, lifted 155 kilogram to seal the series win, a clear 15 points in front of runner-up Nang Nguyen.

Fekadu's impressive form throughout the season makes him a likely candidate to be selected for the World Championship qualifying event, the Malaysian Open, which takes place in November.

Runner-up Nguyen, who is the lightest member of the squad, benched almost two and a half times his own body weight to finish second in the final round of lifts, and secure a second-place finish overall.

Abebe Fekadu beijing 2008 2Fekadu, who competed at Beijing 2008 and London 2012, has become the first Australian Powerlifting Grand Prix champion

Despite only taking up the sport early last year, he lifted 123kg, 3kg more than the benchmark he needed to reach to be in contention for Australian representation.

Leigh Skinner finished third in Brisbane with a lift of 170kg, but it was not enough to elevate him up the final standings as he finished in fifth overall.

Dave Williams and Cameron Whittington finished third and fourth respectively overall.

With the National Championships coming up in August, the Australian powerlifters will be training hard to ensure they impress selectors at the event and secure their place at the Malaysian Open.

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