2 September 2008 - European Masters Games show that some are like wine: they get better with age

European Masters Games show that some are like wine: they get better with age Malmö (SWE) - 2 September 2008 Goran BJERENDAHL (SWE) - photo © FITA    The first appearance of archery at the European Masters Games was a tremendous success with 158 participants from 22 countries. Not only quantity but also quantity was present. Contrary to the World Masters Games, there were only two age groups and only an Outdoor event.   However, the competition was though and some of the scores to win were at the level of a regular European championship. Therefore it was not strange to see some former and even some current members of national teams reach the final.   On Friday, during the qualification round there were gusty winds keeping the scores down. The highest recurve score was 621 by Jaan LOTT from Estonia which was a very high score knowing the windy conditions. The highest compound score was 676 by Marko JARVENPAA from Finland. Both shot in the 40+ categories.   In Recurve Men’s 50+, the former Field world champion Goran BJERENDAHL from Sweden won against Penti KUIVALAINEN from Finland. The bronze was for Mikael EKHOLM also from Sweden.   The 40+ men’s division was won by Vedat ERBAY from Turkey. In the final, he shot a very nice score of 112 points beating Stefan NILSON from Sweden. Both were National team members at the European championships this year in Vittel, France. The third place was for Robert LINDGREN also from Sweden.   Vladas SIGAUSKAS (LTU) The Men's Compound 40+ was won by Vladas SIGAUSKAS. He took gold by shooting three times 117 points (1/4, 1/2 and final). It's the second big victory for the Lithuanian Archery Federation after SIGAUSKAS won the Mixed Team exhibition at the Dover 2007 World Cup.   The Women’s Compound 50+ division was won by Kathy DEACON from Spain. She was a world record holder for Masters until this year when Nichola SIMPSON from Great Britain started eating up all her records.   In Men’s Compound 50+, it was Cvijetoslav ZORMAN from Croatia who was the surprise winner. He beat Kjell ERIKSSON from Sweden.   In Women’s Recurve 50+, the title went to Wendy BAIRD from Great Britain who defeated Katrin FROSS from Estonia in the gold final.   The Women’s Recurve 40+ was won by Eve KIVILO from Estonia who defeated the local favourite Christa BACKMANN. The Swede is also a former national team member, whereas KIVILO shot for Estonia in the European championships in Athens, Greece in 2006.   This event was a good mix between former legends and recreational archers and everyone found his pleasure competing. The next edition of the European Masters Games will be in Italy.   photo © Palinsky Wolf    We now look forward to the World Masters Games in Sydney, Australia which will take place in October 2009. The format will be completely different with Indoor, Outdoor, Field and Clout events. However, the success in Sweden shows that these competitions are attracting a large number of archers from all around the globe.   See you down under next year!   FITA Communication