JONES or DODEMONT? Pair could meet in final

Top American archer JONES has been gunning for the Shanghai individual title since 2010 – and has collected one bronze and two silvers over four years. She was highest compound women’s scorer over the ranking round today. (Something we’re used to seeing.)

“I guess it just wasn’t meant to be last year. I was always close, but not enough,” said the 25-year-old. “I’m shooting well this year too, hopefully I can pull it out. That’s what keeps pushing me more.”

The world number one had a silver year in 2013: placing second at three World Cup stages and the final. She’ll look to start 2014 with gold.

Standing in her way – if she makes it through the brackets – will be Sophie DODEMONT. The Olympic recurve team bronze medallist in Beijing six years ago is finding quick success with a compound – and despite a difficult start, finished the ranking round with eight good ends. It was enough for 691, five below her personal best, and the third seed.

Colombia’s golden girl, Sara LOPEZ, was one point up – on 692 – in second.

After winning two major events to begin 2014 – the world indoors at Nimes and the Arizona Cup – French archer DODEMONT is on a promising trajectory. She never managed a World Cup title as a recurve athlete, but it’s looking quite possible she might as a compound.

“I take competitions one after the other, and try to enjoy each of them. As a recurve I was afraid of losing, in compound I’m not afraid of losing – and not afraid of winning. I don’t shoot my arrows against the opponents, but just for myself.”

If they win all their matches, DODEMONT and JONES will meet for gold.

“Sophie’s doing great considering she’s been shooting compound for less than two years, which is crazy,” said JONES. "It’s fantastic to have more great archers coming to compete in our division. It only helps compound archery, because we push each other.”

See full results from compound women’s qualification at the first 2014 World Cup stage in Shanghai.

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