Ukrainian Pair to Contest Ankara Recurve Men’s World Title

With less than one-year’s experience in international competition, the gold medal final in Ankara is sure to bring Sergii Makarevych his first international medal. All that’s left to decide is whether that podium debut will also be to collect a world champion title.

On his way to the finals, Sergii tied his first two matches of the day, against Russian archer Bair Tsybekdorzhiev and Dutchman Rick van der Ven. In both matches, both athletes shot 10 in the tiebreaker, and in both matches Sergii’s arrow was closer to the centre.

His opponent during the semis was top seed Brady Ellison, who he beat, 6-4.

The match started tied at 1-1. Then Brady took the lead, 3-1, but an eight in the third end left the door open and Sergii tied the match once more. Another shared set and it was win and in – for the finals – heading into the last. Sergii started with a 10, Brady with a nine. Sergii didn’t miss again.

“It was easier to beat Brady because of his expectations at this competition,” he said. Brady, despite all his Archery World Cup crowns, has never been an individual world champion. (He’s taken world gold with the USA recurve men’s team both indoors, in 2012, and outdoors in 2013.)

“He looked nervous and worried. I was relaxed and focused on each of my shots. I think it was all about the courage I had during the match as I didn’t have any pressure on me at all.”

Sergii will face teammate and European Indoor Champion Heorhiy Ivanytskyy in the final. Ivanytskyy, looking to do the double and hold both continental and world titles at the same time, is not an opponent that worries Makarevych, he said.

No matter the result, the pair know it is Ukraine that wins.

“I will try to do my best against my teammate, but I wish him nothing but good luck,” said Heorhiy, while flashing an encourging smile at his less experienced teammate.

“I’m sure it will be give a good match between us. As he won in Ukraine during our nationals, this would be my opportunity to take revenge.”

Heorhiy beat Florian Kahllund from Germany in a one-arrow shoot-off during the first round and Italian archer Massimiliano Mandia in the semis, 6-2.

Mandia and Ellison will contest the last spot on the Ankara 2016 World Archery Indoor Championships recurve men’s podium in the bronze medal match.