This content is archived and as has not been processed. It may contain unformatted text or images, broken links or out-of-date information.
Keeping the Olympic dream
Turin – 7 July 2011
The recurve athletes also shot their 1/48 and 1/24 eliminations matches today. Some of them were only thinking about winning a medal at the world championships, but others just wanted to keep the Olympic dream alive.
After the team quotas awarded yesterday, there are still 8 individual quotas to be given in Turin to athletes from countries that did not qualify yesterday. For this, they first had to qualify for the 1/16 elimination tomorrow.
Recurve Men – 1/48 Elimination
In the first match Aki VIRTANEN (FIN) had a comfortable lead after two sets (30-27/2-0, 29-24/4-0) against Jacob WUKIE (USA). The third set was a tie (26-26) and the advantage remained in favour of the Finn (5-1). However, as the set system allows, his opponent manage to recover from a bad start. With his back against the wall the American regained his self-control and his best shooting form to win the last two sets (30-25 and 29-27) and win the right to go into a shoot-off. There, WUKIE hit the 10 and clinched the match (6-5) after VIRTANEN had a final 9.
Rahul BANERJEE (IND), winner of the 2010 Commonwealth Games in his country, was up against Hideki KUKUCHI (JPN). The Indian led 2-0 (29-28) after the first set, but was caught up by his opponent (27-29/2-2). The tie remained after the third set (28-28/3-3). KUKUCHI took back the lead in the fourth set (28-27/5-3). As both scored 28 points in the fifth set, the 1 set point won by the Japanese was enough for him to win the match 6-4.
The 2006 world champion Magnus PETERSSON (SWE) was given a hard time in his match against Jens PIEPER (GER). After trailing 0-2 (28-28), he tied at 2-2 thanks to three perfect arrows (30-25). However, his opponent from Germany took the lead back at 4-2 (27-26) with two sets to go. The match was tied for the second time at 4-4 after the Swede had another strong set (29-27). Although ending with 27, PETERSSON took advantage of two final 8’s by PIEPER to take the advantage for the first time in the match and won 6-4.
After winning the Youth Olympic Games 2010, high expectations are on 17-year old Ibrahim SABRY (EGY). But everyone knows that the gap between junior and senior level is always difficult to cross. Especially when one has to compete against the No. 10 in the world who finished 3rd at the latest World Cup Stage in Antalya, Dmytro HRACHOV (UKR)… Despite lack of experience at this level, SABRY managed to come back twice in the match. Trailing 0-2 and 2-4, he came back each time to tie at 2-2 and then 4-4. In the final set, the two competitors started with a 9, but HRACHOV finished with two 10’s, while his opponent had two 8’s, to win the set 29-25 and the match 6-4.
Recurve Men – 1/24 Elimination
Without any doubt the match to watch in this round was between Marco GALIAZZO (ITA) and WANG Cheng Pang (TPE). The Italian, Olympic champion in Athens, said he "had sight issues because the field was different". The two archers indeed had to change and go onto another field as their match was chosen for live internet TV broadcast.
With his back against the wall down 1-5 after three sets, GALIAZZO showed why he was the 2004 Olympic champion, shooting 10-10-10 in the four end to come back at 3-5. He had another strong end after that (9-9-10) to again take the 2 set points and tied the match at 5-5. In the shoot-off WANG shot his additional arrow very quickly and got a 10. Left alone on the field for his tie-break arrow, GALIAZZO took his time to release a fantastic X10 right in the bull's eye!
Although the favourites in their matches, some competitors suffered an early defeat in the second round. Magnus PETERSSON (SWE), world champion in 2006, was kicked out by Kurt DE BACKER (BEL), 4-6, after a tie at 4-4. Simon TERRY (GBR), bronze medallist at the 1992 Olympic Games, was beaten by Florian FLOTO (GER), 4-6. Joe FANCHIN (USA), who won the team event at the Porec World Cup Stage this year, also left the World Championships prematurely. He was beaten 4-6 by DAI Xiaoxiang (CHN).
Another American, Jacob WUKIE (USA), 22nd in the world ranking, lost in this round against Pedro VIVAS ALCALA (MEX), on the final score of 4-6. The Mexican led 2-0 after the first set and 4-2 after the third, but nevertheless his opponent always managed to come back (2-2, 4-4). However, after shooting 29 points in the fourth set, WUKIE could only do 25 in the final set to leave the 2 set points and victory to VIVAS ALCALA.
Recurve Women – 1/48 Elimination
Natalia NASARIDZE (TUR), who won the team event at the Shanghai World Cup in 2006, faced Lisbeth LEONI (VEN) in the first elimination round. The first 2 set points went to the Turkish lady (29-26/2-0). The two archers shot the same score in the second set (24-24), and NASARIDZE kept a 2-point lead at 3-1. The third set was won by LEONI (24-23) for a tie at 3-3. Her opponent again took 2 points in the fourth set (25-23) to take back the lead at 5-3. LEONI won the final set (23-21) for another tie (5-5), which brought the match to a shoot-off. Both scored a 10, with NASARIDZE's being closest to the centre for victory.
The match between the 5-time Olympian Alison WILLIAMSON (GBR) and Gema BUITRON (ESP), team silver medallist at the 2010 European Championships, also ended up on a tie at 5-5. In the shoot-off, the older WILLIAMSON (29 years old) scored a 9 and was defeated by the younger BUITRON (21 y.o.) with a 10. BUITRON's teammate Helena FERNANDEZ (ESP) also went to a shoot-off at 5-5 in her match against Denisse Astrid VAN LAMOEN (CHI). However, this time the Spanish representative did not have the same success as her fellow countrywoman shooting only 6 to lose to the Chilean's 9.
Natalia SANCHEZ (COL), who finished 3rd at the 2009 World Championships in Ulsan, seemed to head for an easy victory. She led 4-0 against Erwina SAFITRI (INA), after winning the first two sets 27-25 and 26-25. In the third set the archers were tied 26-26 for a provisional score of 5-1. However, SAFITRI managed to come back thanks to two very strong 29-point sets: 29-24 and 29-26. Tied score at 5-5! With confidence on her side the Indonesia scored a 10 in the shoot-off, overpassing a 9 by her opponent and winning the match 6-5.
Celine SCHOBINGER (SUI) led after the first (2-0) and fourth (4-2) sets, but each time she let her opponent Katsiaryna TIMOFEYEVA (BLR) come back (2-2 and 4-4). And in the last set, the advantage went to the archer from the Belarus for a win by 6-4. Same final score in the match between Christine BJERENDAL (SWE) and Begul LOKLUOGLU (TUR), 6-4 in favour of the Swede! The score was still tied ted at 4-4 with one set to go, but the Turkish lady scored a 5 (after the match she said she did not know what happened …) to lose the set 20-27 and the match 4-6.
Recurve Women – 1/24 Elimination
Both Natalya ERDYNIYEVA (RUS) and Lisa UNRUH (GER) had easy victories 6-0 in the first round. They faced each other in the second match. The Russian took the first 2 set points (29-28/2-0), but he German tied (29-27/2-2) after two sets. In the third set, ERDYNIYEVA scored a 5 at her second arrow to lose the set and trail 2-4. With another 5 in the fourth set (24-27), she wasted the opportunity to recover and lost the match 2-6.
After a close shoot-off in the previous round, Natalia NASARIDZE (TUR) faced Berenger SCHUH (FRA), who beat Veronique MARRIER D'UNIEVILLE (MRI) 6-2 in her first match. The first set between the Frenchwoman and the Turk was close, 26-25 and 2-0. The second was tied (28-28) and the lead remained SCHUH's 3-1. Her opponent came back (25-24/3-3) with two sets two go. Seeing danger approaching, the Frenchwoman managed to increase her level of shooting to win the last two sets, 28-27 and 29-26), and the match, 7-3.
The 2008 World Cup Final winner Justyna MOSPINEK (POL) was against Lidiia SICHENIKOVA (UKR) in the second round. The Ukrainian shot a perfect end to ensure the first 2 set points (2-0). However, with three 8s in the second set she let it go to her opponent (24-27) for a tie at 2-2. The tie remained at 3-3 with two sets to go, after the two ladies scored 28 each. They continued with 9-10 each, and SICHENIKOVA with a 10. MOSPINEK's third arrow in the fourth end was close to the 10 line but finally a 9. With 29-28 the set points went to the Ukrainian who took the lead 5-3. Her opponent from Poland managed to tie at 5-5 after a 27-28 end. MOSPINEK's shoot-off arrow was a 9. SICHENIKOVA's was a 9-liner, and therefore further to the centre. Victory for MOSPINEK in the end!
After winning the first match after a shoot-off, the Chilean VAN LAMOEN faced Dobromira DANAILOVA (BUL) in the second round. The match was tied at 1-1 after the two started with 25 points each. The Bulgarian took the lead 3-1 (26-23). Same score of 26-23 in the third set but in favour of the Chilean this time. Tied score at 3-3. VAN LAMOEN also won the following two sets (26-24, 27-25) to clinch victory 7-3.
There was a tie (5-5) in the match between Nina MYLCHENKO (UKR) and Sinead CUTHBERT (IRL) after each competitor won two sets and were tied one. The Ukrainian tie-break arrow was a 9 for victory over a 7 by the Irishwoman.
World Archery Communication
In the first match Aki VIRTANEN (FIN) had a comfortable lead after two sets (30-27/2-0, 29-24/4-0) against Jacob WUKIE (USA). The third set was a tie (26-26) and the advantage remained in favour of the Finn (5-1). However, as the set system allows, his opponent manage to recover from a bad start. With his back against the wall the American regained his self-control and his best shooting form to win the last two sets (30-25 and 29-27) and win the right to go into a shoot-off. There, WUKIE hit the 10 and clinched the match (6-5) after VIRTANEN had a final 9.
Rahul BANERJEE (IND), winner of the 2010 Commonwealth Games in his country, was up against Hideki KUKUCHI (JPN). The Indian led 2-0 (29-28) after the first set, but was caught up by his opponent (27-29/2-2). The tie remained after the third set (28-28/3-3). KUKUCHI took back the lead in the fourth set (28-27/5-3). As both scored 28 points in the fifth set, the 1 set point won by the Japanese was enough for him to win the match 6-4.
The 2006 world champion Magnus PETERSSON (SWE) was given a hard time in his match against Jens PIEPER (GER). After trailing 0-2 (28-28), he tied at 2-2 thanks to three perfect arrows (30-25). However, his opponent from Germany took the lead back at 4-2 (27-26) with two sets to go. The match was tied for the second time at 4-4 after the Swede had another strong set (29-27). Although ending with 27, PETERSSON took advantage of two final 8’s by PIEPER to take the advantage for the first time in the match and won 6-4.
After winning the Youth Olympic Games 2010, high expectations are on 17-year old Ibrahim SABRY (EGY). But everyone knows that the gap between junior and senior level is always difficult to cross. Especially when one has to compete against the No. 10 in the world who finished 3rd at the latest World Cup Stage in Antalya, Dmytro HRACHOV (UKR)… Despite lack of experience at this level, SABRY managed to come back twice in the match. Trailing 0-2 and 2-4, he came back each time to tie at 2-2 and then 4-4. In the final set, the two competitors started with a 9, but HRACHOV finished with two 10’s, while his opponent had two 8’s, to win the set 29-25 and the match 6-4.
Recurve Men – 1/24 Elimination
Without any doubt the match to watch in this round was between Marco GALIAZZO (ITA) and WANG Cheng Pang (TPE). The Italian, Olympic champion in Athens, said he "had sight issues because the field was different". The two archers indeed had to change and go onto another field as their match was chosen for live internet TV broadcast.
With his back against the wall down 1-5 after three sets, GALIAZZO showed why he was the 2004 Olympic champion, shooting 10-10-10 in the four end to come back at 3-5. He had another strong end after that (9-9-10) to again take the 2 set points and tied the match at 5-5. In the shoot-off WANG shot his additional arrow very quickly and got a 10. Left alone on the field for his tie-break arrow, GALIAZZO took his time to release a fantastic X10 right in the bull's eye!
Although the favourites in their matches, some competitors suffered an early defeat in the second round. Magnus PETERSSON (SWE), world champion in 2006, was kicked out by Kurt DE BACKER (BEL), 4-6, after a tie at 4-4. Simon TERRY (GBR), bronze medallist at the 1992 Olympic Games, was beaten by Florian FLOTO (GER), 4-6. Joe FANCHIN (USA), who won the team event at the Porec World Cup Stage this year, also left the World Championships prematurely. He was beaten 4-6 by DAI Xiaoxiang (CHN).
Another American, Jacob WUKIE (USA), 22nd in the world ranking, lost in this round against Pedro VIVAS ALCALA (MEX), on the final score of 4-6. The Mexican led 2-0 after the first set and 4-2 after the third, but nevertheless his opponent always managed to come back (2-2, 4-4). However, after shooting 29 points in the fourth set, WUKIE could only do 25 in the final set to leave the 2 set points and victory to VIVAS ALCALA.
Recurve Women – 1/48 EliminationNatalia NASARIDZE (TUR), who won the team event at the Shanghai World Cup in 2006, faced Lisbeth LEONI (VEN) in the first elimination round. The first 2 set points went to the Turkish lady (29-26/2-0). The two archers shot the same score in the second set (24-24), and NASARIDZE kept a 2-point lead at 3-1. The third set was won by LEONI (24-23) for a tie at 3-3. Her opponent again took 2 points in the fourth set (25-23) to take back the lead at 5-3. LEONI won the final set (23-21) for another tie (5-5), which brought the match to a shoot-off. Both scored a 10, with NASARIDZE's being closest to the centre for victory.
The match between the 5-time Olympian Alison WILLIAMSON (GBR) and Gema BUITRON (ESP), team silver medallist at the 2010 European Championships, also ended up on a tie at 5-5. In the shoot-off, the older WILLIAMSON (29 years old) scored a 9 and was defeated by the younger BUITRON (21 y.o.) with a 10. BUITRON's teammate Helena FERNANDEZ (ESP) also went to a shoot-off at 5-5 in her match against Denisse Astrid VAN LAMOEN (CHI). However, this time the Spanish representative did not have the same success as her fellow countrywoman shooting only 6 to lose to the Chilean's 9.
Natalia SANCHEZ (COL), who finished 3rd at the 2009 World Championships in Ulsan, seemed to head for an easy victory. She led 4-0 against Erwina SAFITRI (INA), after winning the first two sets 27-25 and 26-25. In the third set the archers were tied 26-26 for a provisional score of 5-1. However, SAFITRI managed to come back thanks to two very strong 29-point sets: 29-24 and 29-26. Tied score at 5-5! With confidence on her side the Indonesia scored a 10 in the shoot-off, overpassing a 9 by her opponent and winning the match 6-5.
Celine SCHOBINGER (SUI) led after the first (2-0) and fourth (4-2) sets, but each time she let her opponent Katsiaryna TIMOFEYEVA (BLR) come back (2-2 and 4-4). And in the last set, the advantage went to the archer from the Belarus for a win by 6-4. Same final score in the match between Christine BJERENDAL (SWE) and Begul LOKLUOGLU (TUR), 6-4 in favour of the Swede! The score was still tied ted at 4-4 with one set to go, but the Turkish lady scored a 5 (after the match she said she did not know what happened …) to lose the set 20-27 and the match 4-6.
Recurve Women – 1/24 Elimination
Both Natalya ERDYNIYEVA (RUS) and Lisa UNRUH (GER) had easy victories 6-0 in the first round. They faced each other in the second match. The Russian took the first 2 set points (29-28/2-0), but he German tied (29-27/2-2) after two sets. In the third set, ERDYNIYEVA scored a 5 at her second arrow to lose the set and trail 2-4. With another 5 in the fourth set (24-27), she wasted the opportunity to recover and lost the match 2-6.
After a close shoot-off in the previous round, Natalia NASARIDZE (TUR) faced Berenger SCHUH (FRA), who beat Veronique MARRIER D'UNIEVILLE (MRI) 6-2 in her first match. The first set between the Frenchwoman and the Turk was close, 26-25 and 2-0. The second was tied (28-28) and the lead remained SCHUH's 3-1. Her opponent came back (25-24/3-3) with two sets two go. Seeing danger approaching, the Frenchwoman managed to increase her level of shooting to win the last two sets, 28-27 and 29-26), and the match, 7-3.
The 2008 World Cup Final winner Justyna MOSPINEK (POL) was against Lidiia SICHENIKOVA (UKR) in the second round. The Ukrainian shot a perfect end to ensure the first 2 set points (2-0). However, with three 8s in the second set she let it go to her opponent (24-27) for a tie at 2-2. The tie remained at 3-3 with two sets to go, after the two ladies scored 28 each. They continued with 9-10 each, and SICHENIKOVA with a 10. MOSPINEK's third arrow in the fourth end was close to the 10 line but finally a 9. With 29-28 the set points went to the Ukrainian who took the lead 5-3. Her opponent from Poland managed to tie at 5-5 after a 27-28 end. MOSPINEK's shoot-off arrow was a 9. SICHENIKOVA's was a 9-liner, and therefore further to the centre. Victory for MOSPINEK in the end!
After winning the first match after a shoot-off, the Chilean VAN LAMOEN faced Dobromira DANAILOVA (BUL) in the second round. The match was tied at 1-1 after the two started with 25 points each. The Bulgarian took the lead 3-1 (26-23). Same score of 26-23 in the third set but in favour of the Chilean this time. Tied score at 3-3. VAN LAMOEN also won the following two sets (26-24, 27-25) to clinch victory 7-3.
There was a tie (5-5) in the match between Nina MYLCHENKO (UKR) and Sinead CUTHBERT (IRL) after each competitor won two sets and were tied one. The Ukrainian tie-break arrow was a 9 for victory over a 7 by the Irishwoman.
World Archery Communication
Features
Sebastian on her breakthrough 2025
Press release
World Archery and Hyundai partner through 2028
Features
