12 décembre - Le Coréen Im tirent l'or à Doha (anglais)

Korea’s Im fires golden shot in Doha Doha – 12 December 2006 Photo © Doha 2006 After winning an individual bronze medal in the archery at Busan 2002, Korea’s Im Dong Hyun bettered his record this time round by taking the gold after a 108–101 victory over Tomokazu Wakino of Japan at the Lusail Archery Range.
Im, who was a member of the gold winning team in Busan and at the Athens Olympics in 2004, always looked the favourite for the title after a number of convincing displays in the build up to the gold medal match.
Despite losing the first end to his Japanese rival, Im remained constant with his shots at the bulls, hitting two 10s during the second end and another in the third to reverse the deficit and take a lead that Wakino could not respond to.
“At the 2002 Busan Asian Games I came third but, as I was able to come first at these Games, I am very happy,” said a delighted Im after his victory.
“In the morning, the [weather] conditions weren’t good and I thought it would be tough, so it was a good match. I could not have done it without the help and the support of my team. Now I will focus on the team event and do my best to win the team gold.”
For the defeated Wakino, the experience of playing in a final was all part of his education towards hoped for Olympic success, “When the wind got a bit weaker my focus was a bit disturbed, as I was seeing my aiming point on the target clearly in windy conditions. After that I lost my rhythm and my points were getting lower than in the beginning.
“I came to Doha in bad condition. I wasn’t shooting well in the lead up to the Games, but my condition improved during the Games. I also gained confidence from this experience.”
“I want to go to the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. For this, I need to participate in the world championships in Germany next July. I have to go through domestic qualification for the world championships. But I can see the steps toward the Olympic Games.”
Meanwhile, in the bronze medal match, Chinese Taipei’s Kuo Cheng Wei was always in front against Rahmat Sulistyawan of Indonesia and won the match 109–100.   Source: Dagoc 2006   For the results, click here For photos, click here... More on www.dohaasiangames.org