Last Update: May 20, 2023, 17:25 IST
Indian archer Prathamesh Javkar (Twitter)
Indian archer Prathamesh Javkar defeated world number one Mike Schlosser 149-148 in the men’s compound individual final.
Teenage Indian archer Prathamesh Javkar pulled off one of the biggest upsets of his burgeoning career, out-maneuvering stunning world number one Mike Schloesser of the Netherlands to clinch his maiden World Cup gold medal in the men’s individual compound event on Saturday.
Prathamesh, who had earlier eliminated the Korean pair of Kim Jongho and Choi Yonghee, continued his giant-killing act to beat the Dutchman 149-148 in the men’s compound individual final.
The 19-year-old dropped just one point from 15 arrows on his way to defeating the former two-time world champion, showing his incredible marksmanship at the highest level.
A point was missed in the first end as both the archers were tied after starting with 29-all.
The second, third and fourth ends saw the duo hit the target with ease, before the 29-year-old Dutchman finally faltered in the fifth end, scoring 9 runs to hand the Indian teenager her maiden World Cup gold.
Mixed team pair of Ojas Deotale and Jyothi Surekha Vennam lifted the country’s tally by defeating top-seeded Koreans in Stage 2 of the World Cup in the non-Olympic compound category as India won two golds.
It was a consecutive World Cup gold medal for the mixed pair pair who also won the Antalya stage last month.
Continuing their dream run, India’s compound mixed team pair of Deotale and Jyoti shocked heavyweights Korea to clinch the maiden World Cup gold medal.
The pair carried their new-found chemistry and played shots with poise to put past the top seeded Korean team 156-155.
“Throughout the World Cup, our coordination and shooting process was very good. And in the final as well, we focused on our shooting process,” Jyoti said.
Jyoti has now made a strong start to the 2023 World Cup season with three gold medals including one in the individual category in the Antalya leg.
The Vijayawada archer is now dreaming big with the World Archery Championships in Berlin just a few months away.
“The World Championships is the most important event for us. And winning the gold medal is a big boost to our confidence. We want to continue the momentum,” she said.
(with inputs from agencies)
