Archery World Cup: Deepika Kumari impresses

The Indian women recurve team lost to Russia in the quarterfinals. The women's compound team will play against Denmark in the semifinal now.

Deepika Kumari came with up a score of 672 to top the qualifying chart.

Deepika Kumari finished on top in the women’s recurve qualifying round of the Archery World Cup Stage II in Antalya, Turkey on Wednesday.

After a disappointing quarterfinal exit in the first stage of World Cup in Shanghai, a strong start in Antalyahas provided cause for optimism of a medal showing.

Deepika came with up a score of 672 to top the qualifying chart with the second best finishing five points behind her. The top seeded Indian has received byes in the first two rounds and will begin her competitive matches from the third round.

“I know the weather conditions here and I like them. I came here prepared,” Kumari told www.worldarchery.org . “The last World Cup didn’t do so well, but I went home and worked on my technique - and now I’m confident again,” she added.

“Since the Olympics, I’ve been more focused on physical training. I’m feeling more confident in my physique, and I’ve been able to focus on more sport-specific training. I hope this translates to success in the upcoming World Cups,” she said.

Monika Saren, Preeti and Ankita Bhakat finished on 31st, 45th and 49th position respectively in the women’s recurve event. In the men’s recurve category, Dhaniram Basumatary was the best placed Indian at seventh, with Olympian Atanu Das finishing a decent 13th.