KUALA LUMPUR: The national women archery team celebrated a historic victory after winning a gold medal in the Compound trio’s event at the Stage One 2015 Archery World Cup in Shanghai, China, yesterday.
The Malaysian trio comprising Fatin Nurfatehah Mat Salleh, Nor Rizah Ishak and Saritha Cham Nong beat an USA women’s team comprising Crystal Gauvin, Angela Bradley and Lexi Keller, 220-219 in a tight and exciting final.
Despite a strong start from the American women which saw them leap three points ahead after the first end, they found themselves tied with the Malaysian on 111 and 166 respectively.
However, the Malaysian sharp shooters struck the last six arrows in the nine point marker to grab the first gold medal in the World Cup tournament.
“The team spirit came together,” said Fatin Nurfatehah, according to the tournament website www.worldarchery.org/.
The national archers, who qualified for the elimination round as the fourth best qualifiers, ousted SEA Games rivals Vietnam 220-212 and Incheon Asian Games bronze medallists India 220-216 in the first two hurdles to set up a last-four clash against reigning European champions Russia.
They beat Russia 219-215 in the semi finals.
The Russians who were spearheaded by world No.3 Natalia Andreeva took the bronze medal after defeating defending compound women’s world champion, Colombia 233-229. — Bernama