Korean men exact Shanghai revenge on world #1 USA

Korea beat the world’s number one ranked compound men’s team from the USA, 235-229, to gold at the second stage of the 2018 Hyundai Archery World Cup in Antalya, Turkey, exacting revenge in a rematch of the final from stage one.

“We lost the final [against the USA] in Shanghai by a single point. But we were ready for another opportunity, and knew we could bring our game,” said Kim Jongho, who is already qualified for the Hyundai Archery World Cup Final after winning the individual event in China.

Jongho, Choi Yonghee and Hong Sung Ho led from the very start of the Antalya gold medal match. 

The Korean trio built a three-point lead after the first six arrows, shot three ends of 59/60 points and ended the 24-arrow 50-metre match six ahead.

At stage one of the international circuit in Shanghai, USA finished with a perfect 60-point end; Korea needed 30 from their last three to win, but put two nines wide. Choi, Hong and Kim finished stronger in Antalya.

Three last 10s from the Koreans’ last three shots, admittedly under less pressure, sealed the result.

“I am really happy to win the game and I’m really proud of my team,” said Choi.

Two of the three USA team members also shoot in individual finals in Antalya: Braden Gellenthien for bronze and Kris Schaff for gold.

Russia beat Italy, 227-226, in the compound men’s bronze medal match.

The second stage of the Hyundai Archery World Cup takes place in Antalya, Turkey on 20-26 May.

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