Akash and Himani make pre-quarters at YOG

Akash Malik downed Canadian Benjamen Lee in the recurve cadet men’s individual event while Himani Kumari had an easy first round outing, cruising past Jil Walter of Samoa at the Youth Olympic Games.

Akash will face Jose Manuel Solera of Spain for a place in the quarters. (Representative image)

Indian archers Akash Malik and Himani Kumari kept themselves in the medal hunt, advancing to their pre-quarterfinal rounds of their respective events at the Youth Olympic Games, here on Monday.

The 16-year-old Akash, who trains at the Army Sports Institute in Pune, showed courage to down Canadian Benjamen Lee in the shoot-off of his round one contest in the recurve cadet men’s individual event.

Trailing 3-5 after fourth set, Akash shot two perfect 10s in the fifth set to level 5-5 and take the battle into the shoot-off where both shot 9-all but the Indian was adjudged winner with his arrow closer to the centre.

Akash will face Jose Manuel Solera of Spain for a place in the quarterfinals.

Himani had an easy first round outing, cruising past Jil Walter of Samoa 7-1 to set up a last-16 clash against Catalina Gnoriega of the USA in he women’s recurve cadet individual event.