13 September 2010 - Archery GB National Series: TERRY at the double

Archery GB National Series: TERRY at the double Lemington Spa (GBR) – 13 September 2010 Simon TERRY (GBR)    Simon TERRY is an Archery GB National Series champion for the second year running, while Naomi FOLKARD, Chris WHITE and Nichola SIMPSON have all won their first titles. The four archers all triumphed in their respective events at the National Series Grand Final, held at Jephson Gardens in Leamington Spa, United Kingdom.   TERRY beat Rob HALLWORTH in a thrilling men’s recurve final to successfully defend the title he won at Lilleshall 12 months ago. But HALLWORTH, in his first Grand Final, made him fight to the very end.   Indeed, HALLWORTH—who had beaten Michael PEART in the semifinals—led for the first five sets, holding his nerve at times to maintain his advantage, but also missing the opportunity to clinch a remarkable victory.   HALLWORTH shot for the match in the fifth set. But needing a 9 to win, he shot an 8, and left the door open for TERRY to fight back. And that is just what the British number 1 and world number 8 did. He levelled the match at 6-6 in set six, and completed victory with a 10-10-8 in the seventh set, to HALLWORTH’s 9-8-8.   "I’ve been shooting well recently, and I’m delighted to be National Series champion again," said TERRY, who beat Larry GODFREY in his semifinal. "I hope now this can set me up for a good performance at next week’s World Cup event in Edinburgh. All credit to Rob. He did really well, and all credit to him for a great performance."   HALLWORTH said: "I was shooting against a great guy. It’s great to be at this fantastic event, to be a part of it, and I couldn’t have been beaten by a better guy. I was delighted to be featuring here today, I’m chuffed I made it to the final, and hopefully this can be a stepping stone for me."   In the women’s recurve tournament, there was a victory on home soil for Leamington born and bred FOLKARD, who defeated the defending champion Charlotte BURGESS.   FOLKARD, who beat Sam MEADOWS in her semi, beat BURGESS 8-6 in another tense match that stretched into a seventh set. FOLKARD took the early advantage, but BURGESS—a semifinal winner against Alison WILLIAMSON—bounced back to lead 4-2, before FOLKARD turned it in her favour, and eventually clinched the match 8-6, finishing with a 9-9-10 to her opponent’s 9-8-8.   "It’s lovely to win the National Series gold medal, and especially to do it here in Leamington," said FOLKARD.   In the compound events, SIMPSON and WHITE turned silver into gold this year, having both finished runners-up 12 months ago.   SIMPSON won her gold medal following a 6-2 semi-final victory over Dani BROWN, and then an 8-2 victory over Andrea GALES in the final, where she fought back from a set down to win the next four, and secure the championship. "I was more nervous this year than I was last, but I’m thrilled to win the title, it’s a great feeling," said SIMPSON.   GALES, who beat defending champion Lucy O’SULLIVAN on a tie-break in their semifinal clash, is now looking forward to taking part in next weekend’s World Cup tournament in Edinburgh. "I’m really excited about it, it’s going to be a great experience, and being involved in today’s event has set me up well," she said.   And WHITE will also be among the competitors in Edinburgh next weekend. He won the men’s compound tournament with a 8-4 victory over Liam GRIMWOOD in a closely fought contest. After winning the first set, WHITE—who beat European champion Andy RIKUNENKO in the semifinals—always had the upper hand over GRIMWOOD, but could never relax.   But after GRIMWOOD—semifinal victor over defending champion Duncan BUSBY—pulled it back to 6-4, WHITE finished with a 10-10-9 to GRIMWOOD's 9-10-9 to clinch victory, and take the title. He said: "The force was with me today, I shot better, but there’s very little to choose between us. We both shot well, but I’m delighted to win the gold medal."   "I think the National Series is a brilliant concept, from the five qualifying tournaments, to the Grand Final itself. Jon NOTT, the organiser, has done a fantastic job, he’s chosen a great venue here in Leamington, and it’s been a great day all round."   The GB National Series follows the Archery World Cup concept at national level. The matches were held according to the best of 7 sets system.   All results on www.agbns.org   Peter JONES, Archery GB Edited by World Archery Communication