Hiatus proves beneficial as Dodemont makes Berlin final

Sophie Dodemont beat top-seeded compound women Yesim Bostan to reach the individual gold medal match at the fourth stage of the Hyundai 2018 World Cup in Berlin, Germany, qualifying for her first circuit final in the process.

She competed in Paris in 2013 after receiving a host city place.

“I’m happy, and I feel lucky because we did not have a nice shoot-off,” said Dodemont.

The French archer put down a nine to her Turkish opponent’s eight.

Dodemont said earlier in the competition week that she felt more comfortable in team events. But she was impressive alone in Berlin, not only making the final but qualifying for the 2018 Hyundai Archery World Cup Final in the progress.

“The season’s finale, even if you think about it, it’s something incredible. I went to Paris as a guest. For sure I’ll go, it's great,” she said.

After two mixed team wins and an individual bronze medal in 2018, Sophie seems as sharp as ever at the age of 44 and returning to the French national team this season after a four-year hiatus.

Dodemont faces first-time finalist Jody Vermeulen of the Netherlands in the final.

The 24-year old Dutch archer would be a surprise qualifier for Samsun if she can dispatch the exprienced Frenchwoman. If she loses, the spot is Marcella Tonioli’s, who will shoot for Berlin bronze against Yesim Bostan.

Two other French archers have a chance at Hyundai Archery World Cup Final spots in 2018. Neither control their own destiny.

Thomas Chirault makes it if Taylor Worth loses his recurve men’s bronze medal match with Steve Wijler, and Pierre-Julien Deloche has a ticket if Mike Schloesser wins the tournament.

“It’s pretty similar to last year – an alignment of stars,” said Deloche smiling. “It’s always a bit special. It’s very disappointing because I shot well but my technique is not yet sufficient when conditions are super technically challenging like here.

The fourth stage of the 2018 Hyundai Archery World Cup takes place in Berlin, Germany on 16 to 22 July.