Compound competition heats up in Antalya

Compound qualifications were shot this morning in Antalya, in the format of 72 arrows at 50 metres for both men and women. 
Rodger WILLETT Jr., returning to the World Cup after not qualifying for the U.S. team last season, was on fire today. He shot 706 points to lead the rest of the field by a large margin. World No 1 Reo WILDE, 3rd in Shanghai, dropped many points in the first half but climbed to second place, five points behind his teammate with 701. 
The surprising Rajat CHAUHAN from India finished 3rd with the same total as WILDE, ahead of the top-ranked Korean archer, MIN Lihong, who also shot 701. Martin DAMSBO (DEN), silver medallist in Shanghai, had the best start and led throughout the morning before falling to 5th (700 points). World record holder Peter ELZINGA (NED) finished 6th, while Braden GELLENTHIEN (USA), gold medallist at the World Cup Final and in Shanghai, was 9th.
In the team ranking, the U.S. archers were challenged by DAMSBO and the Danish team. In the end the US demonstrated their prowess by placing first with a margin of more than 10 points (2104). Second place went to Denmark (2091). Korea overcame the Netherlands for third place (both scored 2089). 
Today marked the first World Cup participation for Singapore in the compound men’s category. PANG Toh Jin (photo) declared: “it is one of the most beautiful competitions that I have taken part in. I believe all athletes are delighted to shoot here, so close to the sea but protected from the wind. I started to shoot with a compound bow only last year and I hope to qualify for a World Cup Final some day.”
As for the women, the Koreans, famous for their supremacy in the recurve division and having achieved an unexpected victory in Shanghai, showed their strength today in a division where they have not traditionally been a reigning power. YOUN So Jung scored 690 to beat one of the greatest favourites: former World Cup Final winner Erika JONES (USA, 689 points). 
Three athletes achieved a score of 687: Linda OCHOA (MEX), 3rd; world No 1 Albina LOGINOVA (RUS), bronze medallist in Shanghai and 4th today; and SEOK Ji Hyun (KOR, 5th). The Korean competitor, eager to confirm that her victory in Shanghai wasn’t a question of luck, was on top of the ranking until she struggled during the last six arrows today. 
SEOK’s teammate SEO Jung Hee followed in 6th ahead of current World Cup Final champion Jamie VAN NATTA (USA). The top archer from the host country, 18-year-old Cansu Ecem COSKUN, was a surprising 8th. World No 5 Marcella TONIOLI (ITA) led after 36 arrows, but dropped to 12th after a weaker second half. 20-year-old Alejandra USQUIANO (photo), 14th, could be a force to contend with at the next World Cup stage in her home country of Colombia. “I don’t except to win but to do my best and make my countrymen proud, because I want to become world champion one day. Medellin is my hometown and I can assure you that you will receive a warm welcome by the people of Colombia.”
The Korean women outscored the United States 1063 to 1051 in the team ranking. France completed the top three with 2035 points. However, the United States topped the mixed team ranking with 1395 points. Korea settled for 2nd place (1391) ahead of India (1385).
Find the results of today’s qualifications here:www.worldarchery.org/worldcup/antalya/results.aspx 
World Archery Communication