Archery World Cup: Indian women pip South Korea to take second successive gold medal

Deepika Kumari led India to their second successive gold medal in the Archery World Cup Wroclaw, Poland[Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images]

The Indian women’s recurve team, consisting of Deepika Kumari, Bombayala Devi and Rimil Buriuly, pipped top seeds South Korea in the final to take the gold medal, despite being seeded sixth.

The Indians got the better of the South Korean team, consisting of Yun Ok-Hee, Ki Bo Bae and Joo Hyun Jung, beating them 219-215 for their second major title in as many months, following their World Cup Stage 3 win in Medellin, Colombia last month.

The final score was a surprise, as it was the first time in the tournament that South Korea shot lower than 222 in their elimination matches against the United States, Italy and Russia. India defeated Indonesia, Mexico and Denmark on the way to the final.

India and South Korea were tied at 163 each by end 3. The wind made its presence felt as archers on both sides shot an odd 7.

Ki Bo Bae began the final end with a disappointing 6, and the next two South Korean arrows both scored 9.

India took control as they shot three 10s to make themselves favourites heading into the last 6 arrows.

The South Koreans shot a 9-8-10, before India took the end 56-52 by shooting a 10-10-7, giving them the gold at the World Cup Stage 4.

The World Cup finals are to be held next month in Paris.