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Germany on top in qualifying as wind tests archers at Arnhem Grand Prix

22 July 2025

Arnhem, Netherlands

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Germany fared best in challenging conditions at the second leg of the 2025 European Grand Prix in Arnhem, topping qualifications in three of the four categories.

Recurve man Mathias Kramer, recurve woman Katharina Bauer and compound woman Katharina Raab all led the field at the TeamNL Centre Papendal, while the Netherlands’ Stef Willems prevented a German sweep, seeding first in compound men’s.

Raab’s score stood out as the most impressive.

The 26-year-old equalled her personal best of 698 in the 72-arrow qualification round – the highest score of the day – while the rest of the compound women’s field, made up of 19 archers, struggled to adjust to regular gusts that peaked near 20 kilometres per hour on Tuesday.

A latecomer to the world circuit, Raab has only been competing internationally since 2023. Arnhem marks the first time she enters the elimination phase as the top seed.

Her achievement comes just over a month after she and teammate Paolo Kunsch won Germany’s first-ever mixed team medal on the Hyundai Archery World Cup circuit – silver at stage three in Antalya.

Now, with a bye into the quarterfinals, Raab is well positioned to pursue her first individual podium on the international stage.

Germany’s recurve team has collected the most accolades in recent seasons. Could Raab’s rise signal a shift in momentum for compound?

The recurve women’s field in Arnhem – 39 archers deep – was far more competitive and star-studded.

Just three points separated the top six qualifiers, including Tokyo 2020 Olympic bronze medallist Lucilla Boari (fourth, 638) and reigning World Archery Champion Marie Horackova (fifth, 637). But it was reigning European Champion Bauer who edged ahead with 640 to lead the pack.

Competition continues on Wednesday in Arnhem, with compound eliminations in the morning and recurve matches in the afternoon.