Tomatsu builds on world indoor silver with gold at Asia Cup in Bangkok

Seventeen-year-old Japanese archer Daisuke Tomatsu beat Thomas Chirault of France to recurve men’s gold at the first stage of the 2018 Asia Cup in Bangkok, Thailand – his second major medal in less than a month after finishing second at the World Archery Indoor Championships in February.

“Since it was a silver at the world indoors, I really wanted to win the gold this time around,” said Tomatsu. “But I’m still not satisfied. I will work hard to aim higher and finish in even better positions.”

“Transferring from indoor to outdoor was a different feeling, but my coaches gave good advice and support and able to arrive in Bangkok in great condition, both mentally and technically.”

Tomatsu (666) was the third-seeded archer in Bangkok, finishing just a point behind leader Chirault (667) over the 72-arrow 70-metre ranking round.

He knocked out two Olympians in the earlier rounds – Muhammad Nor Hasrin of Malaysia in the fourth pass and Indonesian archer Ega Agatha Riau in the quarterfinals.

Chirault started with a perfect 30-point set in the final, but then shot two 26s and two 27s for the last four; Tomatsu averaged 28 points a set, and took victory, 7-3.

The French archer did win mixed team gold with partner Melanie Gaubil.

Vietnam delivered a shock defeat to Russia in the compound mixed team final, but Alexander Dambaev secured individual men’s gold. 

India took the top spot in the compound women’s event, courtesy Muskan Kirar, and the recurve women’s competition – with Promilla Daimary defeating Natalia Erdynieva in the final.

The first stage of the 2018 Asia Cup ran 3-8 March in Bangkok, Thailand.

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