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Mike Schloesser shoots first perfect half to seed top in Guatemala

20 April 2021

Guatemala City, Guatemala

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Mike Schloesser shoots during qualification at the first stage of the 2021 Hyundai Archery World Cup in Guatemala City.

Reigning Hyundai Archery World Cup Champion Mike Schloesser opened the 2021 outdoor season with a 717-point qualification round to seed top in the compound men’s competition at the first stage in Guatemala City.

Schloesser shot a perfect first 36 arrows and didn’t drop a point until the second end of the second half.

“I’m feeling really good. I’m happy to be here. I like the field, and everything ran smoothly,” said the Dutchman. “It’s my first time in competition shooting a 360, and it felt really good. I have done it several times in training, but to finally make it happen in competition feels good.”

The total score matches his competition bests, shot in 2016 and 2017. It’s an incredible way to start this 15th season of the international circuit, which was delayed one year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Braden Gellenthien came in second with 711, and Seb Peineau took the third seed ahead of Antonio Hidalgo on X-count, 26 to 25, after both shot 710.

Most following the live scoring watched to see whether Mike could hold on to beat the world record, held by Gellenthien, that stands at 718.

Mike Schloesser scores during qualification at the first stage of the 2021 Hyundai Archery World Cup in Guatemala City.

A thumbs up from Mike Schloesser during qualification at the first stage of the 2021 Hyundai Archery World Cup in Guatemala City.

Mike Schloesser’s target during qualification at the first stage of the 2021 Hyundai Archery World Cup in Guatemala City.

The competition field during qualification at the first stage of the 2021 Hyundai Archery World Cup in Guatemala City.

Anders Faugstad scores during qualification at the first stage of the 2021 Hyundai Archery World Cup in Guatemala City.

“I was just getting tired at the end. I think I’m just not feeling strong enough at the moment,” explained Schloesser. “The mistakes I made are really small. The nines I shot are really close to the 10, so I wouldn’t change anything of my shooting or my bow or anything. I’m really happy how it went today.”

Guatemala’s Julio Barillas seeded sixth – an exceptional result for the host nation.

World championship runner-up Anders Faugstad also snuck into the top eight, taking a bye into the third round, after a four-way tiebreak for two places. Adrien Gontier took the second spot.

Eighteen compound men broke 700 points.

The USA seeded top in the compound men’s team and mixed team competitions.

Competition continues for compound archers at the first stage of the 2021 Hyundai Archery World Cup with eliminations, down to the final four, on Wednesday in Guatemala City.