Kristina BERGER and Mike SCHLOESSER world champions!

Men
At just 19 years old, Mike SCHLOESSER is world champion. The strongest archer in the wind during every round of eliminations, he delivered four 9s and eleven 10s to outscore Pierre-Julien DELOCHE in the final of the World Archery Championships, 146-141. Although the Dutch archer had previously competed in three World Youth Championships and one World Championships, this was the first individual podium of his career.

Sixth in Turin two years ago, 31-year-old Frenchman DELOCHE won his second medal of the day, after acquiring team bronze this morning. It marks the end of his best season, after he won World Cup individual and team titles, and a World Games silver medal earlier this summer.

Alexander DAMBAEV won the bronze medal match over Brazil’s Roberval DOS SANTOS. The 24-year-old Russian archer, who has shot internationally since 2010, is establishing himself as one of the world’s top archers. DAMBAEV won his first individual World Cup medal this August.

Women
Today, German prodigy Kristina BERGER won the women’s title in her first World Championships. The former pistol champion, who picked up a bow for the first time in 2009, faced the experienced Ivana BUDEN (CRO) in the final. An X from BERGER set the tone with her first arrow. The 25-year-old led from the beginning and finished with a run of seven 10s to seal the win, 144-137. With silver, her Croatian opponent - coached by her father - won her first medal in five World Archery Championships, although she is already World Field Archery Champion.

“The field was not as windy as the last few days – so it was a nice competition”, said new champion BERGER. When asked how she was so good in the wind, the German replied: “There’s only one secret: I’m a puncher. And I’m proud!”

The bronze medal match featured 39-year-old Gerda ROUX (RSA) and 16-year-old Maja ORLIC (CRO), who qualified over defending champion Albina LOGINOVA. The South African started archery last June, and this event is her second major event.

Two 8s from ORLIC in the second end allowed ROUX to build a lead. She went on to win the bronze medal, 137-133 - and second medal of the day for the ROUX family, as Gerda’s husband Patrick won team silver in the compound men’s event in the morning. ROUX gave South Africa its first World Championships medal in the compound women’s division since Jorina COETZEE won silver in 2009.

“I didn’t think I would be here on the finals carpet when I arrived”, said ROUX. “It was difficult, I was trembling so much – I still am.” When asked about her 15-month journey from beginner to World Champion, she said: “If you put your mind to it, I’m sure everyone can achieve something. It took hard work and dedication, a lot of time and a lot of arrows. If you’re really committed – I’m sure you can make it. Just practice, practice, practice.”

Mixed teams
Defending champions Sergio PAGNI and Marcella TONIOLI took the opportunity to win their second consecutive title. The pair have been shooting together for a long time and enjoy the mutual support allowed by the mixed team - which, they say, is the reason for their success. Today, four 10s was the perfect way to start their gold medal final. The Italians were dominant from start to end, a 155-149 victory, against Alexander DAMBAEV and double-world champion Albina LOGINOVA, another of the world's best pairs.

“We are the best mixed team in the world”, said TONIOLI after the Italians retained their mixed team crown. “We are so happy for this victory – and to confirm what happened in 2011.” PAGNI added that “it was an amazing season for sure. Defending a title, shooting a good season – arriving in the finals every time – and shooting for gold. We know that every single event was different but we were here to win. Not just to compete. We weren’t defending, we wanted to attack. Not defending, winning.”

The bronze medal match featured the United States and India. The American mixed pair made of 2011 world individual medallists Erika JONES and Jesse BROADWATER, shooting together for the first time, dropped only four points to win the bronze medal (156-151). It is the lone compound medal for the United States in these World Championships. Disappointing, for a team that arrived with plenty of medal aspirations: “It’s a little bit of a consolation, but not much”, said JONES. “We had really high hopes in the team and individual. It takes a little bit of the sting away.”

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