Compound predictions looking good heading into Lausanne 2014 semifinals

World Archery asked two international archery pundits for their Lausanne 2014 predictions: Easton International Technical Advisor George TEKMITCHOV and top USA compound coach John DUDLEY.

George bet on the French power duo of PJ DELOCHE and Sebastien PEINEAU in the compound men’s competition – as well as top seed and fellow countryman Reo WILDE.

“PJ and PEINEAU started the year with a bang and haven’t looked back,” he said. “With Korea giving up their slot, it should be clear sailing for one of the two. Reo might have something to say about that, though. Experience breeds confidence, and he’s been working hard to prepare for this event.”

World number one DELOCHE finished his quarterfinal match with a 10-10-10 and beat Rajat CHAUHAN, who had led going into the last end. Seb PEINEAU – who’s the current Indoor Archery World Cup Champion – lost.

John DUDLEY’s preference went to Peter ELZINGA, though he admitted WILDE and DELOCHE are both hugely capable. The compound women’s athletes, who were all asked who their picks were, agreed.

“Peter is a dangerous competitor,” said John. “He seems to fly under the radar and strike without warning. If he is ready mentally, he can win this!”

WILDE and ELZINGA won their respective quarterfinals, like DELOCHE. Both the two Europeans were fortunate to go through, taking advantage of their opponent’s nervousness at their last arrows.

“You never know what's happening on that last moment. Maybe it was a bit tense for him, but I'm feeling a bit lucky to come around with his last arrow,” ELZINGA acknowledged.

DELOCHE and ELZINGA will go head-to-head in the semis. Top seed Reo will be part of an all-USA match-up against teammate Bridger DEATON, who knocked out PEINEAU by one point.

“I started a little better than I finished but it turned up the right way. I was really nervous and I knew this was going to be a tight match,” said DEATON.

The women’s semifinals will be two European-versus-Americas matches. John DUDLEY’s favourite Erika JONES (USA) did not need force her talent, taking benefit of two early misses shot by her morning opponent Alejandra USQUIANO.

The Colombian archer, who won the World Cup Final as part of a breakout year last season, had some trouble with her release aid, just as in Wroclaw.

“Erika is a solid shooter. Her form, rhythm, timing and equipment is picture perfect. Mentally she is always with it as well,” thinks John DUDLEY. George TEKMITCHOV agrees on JONES being set to take the podium.

“But watch for the South American connection to grab glory in Lausanne. Alejandra USQUIANO and Sara LOPEZ have been sensational and they have momentum and confidence.” Sara still has a shot…

…but, again, it was close. Swiss wildcard entry Clementine DE GIULI needed one end to get over her nerves of shooting at the Final in front of home crowd.

She only lost by four points and shot a 26 to open the match. “Expect a surprise performance from DE GIULLI, if she can beat the pressure,” George said earlier this week, which wasn’t so farfetched a prediction.

JONES has the current World Field Archery Champion, Croatia’s Toja CERNE, who defeated Albina LOGINOVA (RUS) 145-140 for a spot in the gold final. LOPEZ will meet the second Russian female compound athlete at Lausanne 2014, Natalia AVDEEVA. Celebrating her 26th birthday today, Natalia got past Mexico’s Linda OCHOA by one point in the first round.

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