Chinese compound mixed team set matchplay world record

China set a new world record of 157 out of 160 for the 16-arrow match in compound open mixed team competition as they advanced to the Donaueschingen 2015 final, defeating top seeds Italy and a strong Russian team in the process.

The duo of Lin Yueshan and Cao Hanwen set the world-best score during the first round of the competition when facing France, defeating them by an impressive margin: 18 points.

Yueshan, for whom Donaueschingen is a first international tournament, was delighted with the results but expected more of herself going into the rest of the week.

“We shot well as a pair but my score was still below my expectations,” she said. “I always feel I can do better and look forward to competing during the rest of the week.”

Yueshan and Hanwen moved onto a quarterfinal against Russian fifth seeds Stepanida Artakhinova and Aleksander Zubar, beating them by a score of 155-153 to set up an eagerly-anticipated semi against Italy.

The top seeds in the category were represented by Bangkok 2013 team bronze medallist Eleonora Sarti and ’98 World Champion Alberto Simonelli. But the team opposite them on the shooting line was of no importance to newcomer Yueshan: “We treat each of our opponents the same and try to shoot as well as possible.”

“We focus on ourselves because if we both shoot well it gives us the best opportunity for success,” Yueshan explained.

The Italians hit a perfect four arrows to start the semifinal match, but China responded well, coming from five points behind to win it, 151-149, and the chance to face Great Britain for Donaueschingen gold.

Mel Clarke and John Stubbs of Team GB defeated Slovakia, Spain and Korea on their way to the winning final berth. Despite their success, Yueshan admitted to knowing little of the British duo but remained confident nonetheless.

“I have never faced the British team as it is my first international experience, but I am excited ahead of Saturday’s final and the chance to win the gold medal,” she said.