Italians in great shape at Nimes Tournament

Italians in great shape at Nimes Tournament Nimes (FRA) – 29 January 2008 Natalya Erdyniyeva (RUS)   The finals of the 11th Nimes Indoor Tournament were held last weekend in front of more than 1,500 enthusiastic spectators. Two Italians (Marco Galiazzo and Sergio Pagni), one Russian (Natalya Erdyniyeva) and one Belgian (Gladys Willems) find themselves on the 2008 edition’s list of prize winners.   Natalya Erdyniyeva (RUS) wins the recurve women category beating Elena Richter (GER) 117-108 in the gold final. Two German ladies finish 3rd and 4th, Christina Schafer and Eva Muller. The best French athlete is Sandrine Vandionant who takes 5thrank.      Marco Galiazzo (ITA) On the men’s side, the reigning Olympic champion Marco Galiazzo (ITA) takes victory over his fellow countryman Michele Frangilli (ITA), world record holder. It is to be noted that Galiazzo scored a perfect 120 in this final against his opponent’s 117 points. He thus received a standing ovation from the French audience! Two Koreans -Hong Sung Chil and Chung Jae Hun- follow at 3rd and 4th places. For his part the young, talented French archer Thomas Aubert takes a beautiful 5th rank.   In compound women Gladys Willems (BEL) wins her 4th Nimes tournament defeating Laura Longo (ITA) in the gold final on the tight score of 116-115. The French Amandine Bouillot finishes at 3rd place. The 4th and 5th ranks go to the Russian Anna Kazantseva and the Briton Nicky Hunt.   FITA Shop at Nimes Indoor Tournament    In the men’s division, Sergio Pagni (ITA) wins at the third shoot-off arrow (match score: 118-118). The Italian and his opponent from Great Britain Chris White both scored a 10 with their very last arrow, but the one of the Italian athlete was closer to the centre of the target. Third place is taken by Chance Beauboeuf (USA), followed by the first French athlete Florian Faucheur at 4th place. The Swiss Kevin Burri finishes 5th, tied with another French Luc Champoleron.   More info and results on www.arcclubdenimes.com   Olivier Grillat Nimes Archery Club Edited FITA Communication