All-new names top start-of-year world ranking list

Kim Woojin, Olympic Champion Chang Hye Jin, Stephan Hansen and Sarah Sonnichsen topped their respective lists as the first world rankings of the new year were released on 1 January.

Following a year in which Sara Lopez’ unbelievable run in the top spot ended, finishing at a record 1033 days in June, all four of the names at the end of 2017 were different from those that held pole positions 12 months prior.

Sonnichsen, the compound woman who replaced Lopez, has held on to the first spot ever since – despite neither archer securing a points finish at the worlds late last season.

Kim Woojin previously ranked first after World Archery Championship titles in 2011 and 2015 – but ascended following a strong Hyundai Archery World Cup season in 2017. He pipped World Archery Champion and teammate Im Dong Hyun to first.

Olympic Champion Chang Hye Jin’s position was buoyed by strong circuit results and a silver medal at the worlds, along with that Rio gold medal remaining on her points total.

Stephan Hansen finished second in Mexico City, too – but had wins at the World Games in Wroclaw and at stage one of the Hyundai Archery World Cup in Shanghai to help his cause. Despite losing his world title in 2017, Hansen’s world ranking position is actually stronger than it’s ever been.