The morning stretch: a tough two rounds

Martin DAMSBO, the ninth compound men’s qualifier – meaning he just missed out on a top eight bye into the third round – admitted feeling a little lonely this morning, as the only Danish archer at Medellin 2014. His “hard morning at office” involved shooting a solid 149 to win his second-round match, one more point than Sebastien PEINEAU needed to get through his.

France’s PEINEAU won the last World Cup stage in Shanghai, and had some difficulties with his bow yesterday: “I had no sensation during qualification, but I’ve sorted that out now. It feels a lot better this morning.”

It wasn’t such a good morning for Colombian Maja MARCEN. She lost out by a point to Ecuador’s Emilia CORONEL in the first round of the compound women’s competition.

Although disappointed, MARCEN retained a brave face. “I learnt a lot. I trained harder than I ever have before, doubling the number of arrows I can shoot in the process,” she said. “But now I know the importance of work-rest balance in your lifestyle.”

“When you’ve trained four to five days straight, your muscles get tired, not stronger – and I believe it was my inability to understand this concept that led to today.”

MARCEN’s got high hopes for Colombia’s team – always favourites, especially in their home city. Alejandra USQUIANO, Maja says, is shooting a lot better than she was in Shanghai – is a lot stronger – and tips her for gold.

Archers still in the competition now advance to this afternoon’s third, fourth rounds and finals – while those who’ve been knocked out pin their homes on the team competitions.

See scores from the second stage of the 2014 Archery World Cup at Medellin 2014.