Artakhinova, Drahoninsky break matchplay world records

After missing out on winning a Rio 2016 Paralympic quota place for Russia during eliminations in Donaueschingen, Stepanida Artakhinova did all she could to secure one in the secondary tournament.

While she won’t know if it’s enough until the finals are complete on Sunday as the qualification system gifts additional places to nations with world champion athletes, Stepanida beat Karina Granitza of Germany and Sweden’s Zandra Reppe to emerge top of a seven-archer field in the secondary competition.

The London 2012 individual bronze medallist’s last match, against Reppe, saw her beat the 15-arrow match world record for the compound women’s open category.

“I only knew when my coach told me,” she admitted. “But I’ve shot consistently well this week and my training has been good. I’ve been focusing on my technique in the past few months and training very hard to achieve the best results possible.”

Stepanida scored 147 out of a possible 150 points.

“Each competition I have gotten better and now I have shot a world record, I hope this form continues for future competitions and the Paralympic Games in Rio,” she said.

The Russian athlete was not the only archer to break a matchplay world record on the day. Beijing 2008 Paralympic Champion David Drahoninsky did the same in the quarterfinals.

He beat the defending world champion, Jean Pierre Antonios by 10 points. The 144 total was a new world best mark.

David now holds the majority of world records in the W1 category, for athletes with impairment affecting both the top and bottom of their bodies.