Top indoor archers SCHUH and FISSORE lead Marrakesh qualification

Berengere SCHUH is back. The former world recurve women’s indoor champion has been recovering for the best part of the last couple of years after a shoulder surgery but in Marrakesh she was 10 points clear of the field.

SCHUH looked like she had never been away.

“The shoulder is not totally pain free but I take time between shots to avoid too much stress on the muscle,” she said.

With her top ranking after qualification resulting in a first-round eliminations bye, SCHUH has plenty time to relax for her matches for tomorrow.

The compound men’s competition was much tighter. Dutchman Mike SCHLOESSER had 595, one point clear of Braden GELLENTHIEN – who won this stage of the Indoor Archery World Cup last year.

SCHLOESSER became the first European archer to win the famous Vegas Shoot last year.

In the second elimination phase tomorrow, SCHLOESSER – who is also the reigning outdoor world champion, yet could still shoot in junior competition – will meet reigning world indoor champion Sergio PAGNI, from Italy.

Crystal GAUVIN tied USA compatriot Dahlia CROOK on 580, to lead the compound women’s ranking round. Belgium’s Sarah PRIEELS was a point behind, on 579.

Italian indoor specialist Matteo FISSORE topped the recurve men’s leaderboard after the regulation 60 arrows at 18 metres.

“I could not have started this season better,” said FISSORE. “This has already given me a good boost in confidence for the rest of the season.”

He’s got plenty of season to go, including a Marrakesh event in which he finished second last year – to Olympic fourth-place finisher Rick VAN DER VEN. FISSORE’s 590 was followed by Alexey BORODIN’s 588. Pierre PLIHON came in third, behind the Russian.

PLIHON had an outstanding outdoor season – his first international year on the Archery World Cup circuit – and started his indoor campaign well, with a top three qualification.

The first elimination rounds took place after qualification. In the first phase, British Olympian Larry GODFREY lost to Italy’s Alberto FIOROLI – which was something of a surprise.

Most seeds will continue in the competition tomorrow.

Follow live scores from the first stage of the 2014/15 Indoor Archery World Cup in Marrakesh.