Turkey takes revenge in compound team event

Turkey will compete with the United States for the compound men’s open team gold medal after surprising top seeds Italy in the semifinal stage of the World Archery Para Championships in Donaueschingen, Germany.

The team of Bulent Korkmaz, Dogan Hanci and Erdogan Aygan gained revenge for their exit at the hands of the Italians at the European Para Championships last summer in Nottwil, winning the Donaeuschingen rematch, 230-224.

The USA beat France and Slovakia to make the final.

Turkey’s Bulent was delighted about his team’s performance, but beating the Italians made the occasion even sweeter. 

“We always want to be winners and last year Italy beat us in Switzerland,” he said.

“It was nice to gain a bit of revenge and win today because we know Italy is a very good team. They are probably the best team in the world so we are very happy we have been able to defeat them.”

Turkey were seeded fourth going into the elimination stages but remained confident of defeating some of the very best to succeed.

Not only do Bulent, Dogan and Erdogan have a good understanding on the field, they also have a great friendship off of it and believe that is a big reason as to why they have been successful.

“We trust each other and because of our friendship the team spirit is always very high,” Bulent continued. “I think we shot very well because we have been training each day for over five months now in preparation for this event.”

The Turkish team did not secure any quota places in the mixed team competition and none were available in the team event, but there is still opportunity in the Donaeuschingen individual competitions.

“While Rio Is obviously a big event and achieving the quota places is important, we wanted to win medals here in Germany and didn’t think much past that,” said Bulent.

With the compound team guaranteed at least a silver medal, Bulent is now turning his attention to that individual competition.

“I hope to continue shooting well and medal individually as well. I will try to the best of my abilities to achieve that, whether it is bronze, silver or gold,” he concluded.