30 January 2006 - New faces emerge in Nîmes from Italy and Spain!

New faces emerge in Nîmes from Italy and Spain!

Lausanne - 30 January 2006

We were expecting Lundin, Boé, Frangilli but we have seen many new winners in Nîmes out of a record of more than 1000 participants

The Compound Men’s table which had all of the top archers participating saw a very strong Italian team with Sergio Pagni claiming the title against Swiss Patrizio Hofer who is a fan of Nîmes after his bronze medal in the 2003 World Championships. Third was another Italian, Stefano Mazzi who was the highest qualifier. Some of the pre-tournament favourites like Morten Boé and Morgan Lundin were eliminated in earlier stages and Dejan Sitar was among many to miss the cut. The cut at 580 was higher than at the last world championship which proves the level of the event.

In the women’s compound final the title went to a newcomer in the compound scene. Aurore Trayan who is a former Olympian (finished 4th in Athens with the French recurve team) has just recently made the switch to compound but in her first major event came out on top of Spain’s Fatima Agudo Garcia who is ranked 5th in the World. The third place went to former World Champion, Gladys Willems from Belgium.

The Women’s recurve also had a very high level and many of the pre tournament favorites being eliminated early. The winner was the 2003 World Indoor Champion in Nîmes, Ms Berengere Schuh, who shot three excellent scores and needed a 3 end perfect shoot off, with the final arrow just millimeters being closer then Elena Tonetta’s arrow, to claim the title. Elena is ranked 3rd in the World after an excellent 2005 Outdoor season. 3rd was Kim Mun Joung from Korea. 

The men’s recurve allowed the Italians to nearly claim a grand slam since Amedeo Tonelli surprisingly defeated the tournament favourite and team mate Michele Frangilli in the semi final. The other finalist was Spains Elias Cuesta who showed that the Spanish team is ready for the European Indoor in two months. Third was Daniel Delaby from France.

This year it was also the first time a tournament was organized for juniors and cadets and many of the future champions will have had their first experience. FITA was present with a new TV system which allowed to prepare for the upcoming 2006 World Cup events. The public which came in a large number in N'imes was able already to enjoy an exciting production on the video screen.

Next year will be the 10th edition and it will be once more the chance for top archers to win this prestigious indoor tournament.

Tom Dielen

Secretary General