15 March 2007 - Indoor World Championships: New World Records for Teams !

New World Records for Teams ! Izmir – 15 March 2007   Thursday night in Izmir, the teams were initiating a new format of competition for the Indoor World Championships. They shot matches of 4 ends of 6 arrows with three members per team. Of course, all the best teams earned new world records.   Recurve Men There were a couple of very tight matches in the quarter-finals. Italy was only leading Turkey by 1 point after 12 arrows (116-115) but managed to strengthen the gap later on. Final score: 232 – 228 pts. Ukraine was leading Japan by 1 point as well halfway, but the Japanese came back to clinch the match 234-233. The Ukrainians can be disapointed because they shot the world record in the previous round at 238 pts out of 240 pts. Germany beat Russia 232-234, while the number 1 seed, the USA didn’t shake versus France, 235 – 230 pts.   Ukraine vs Norway, Poland vs Italy: these are the junior semi-finals on Friday morning. The Norwegians barely beat Turkey in the quarter-final 225-224. These two teams previously set the junior world record at 231 pts.   Recurve Women France put the world record at 233 pts in the first round, but suffered a bit versus Italy in the quarter-final. The match was close (116-114 pts) halfway, before the French won 230- 218 pts. They will meet the Turkish hosts in the semi-final. Turkey beat the number 1 seed, Russia, 227 – 219 pts. Ukraine prevailed over Netherlands 228 – 226 pts, while the last match was exciting; Number 10 seed, the USA were tied at 115 versus the number 2 seed, Germany. However, the Germans shot really well in the second part to clinch the match 232-226 pts.   Russia vs. Poland, Italy vs. Turkey are the junior semi-finals. The Turkish and Polish girls currentely hold the world record with 227 pts.   Compound Men The US men’s team were suffering after 18 arrows being tied at 175 pts versus Australia. Finally, the heavy favourites prevailed 234 232 pts. The Netherlands beat Belgium 235 – 232 pts and Italy defeated Turkey 232-228 pts. Nevertheless, the new world record was achieved by France with a superb 238 pts, achieved whilst defeating Denmark.   For the juniors, the fans will cheer for USA – Russia and another Italy – France match. Italy has the world record with 226 pts.   Compound Women The USA put the new world record at 233 pts beating Netherlands. Turkey almost earned another semi-final. They were leading 173-172 but they lost versus Belgium 226-227 pts. Russia prevailed 170 – 167 pts versus Great Britain. The last match was the closest. Tied at 174-174, Italy this time beated France at the end with two great scores for both team : 232 -231 !   There are only four teams in junior women compound so team matches haven’t been played yet. Based on the ranks during the qualifications, USA will meet Turkey and Great Britain will play Russia.   Didier Miéville FITA Communication