Sergio crowns Italy’s compounders’ 5-medal Medellin haul

Sergio “The Sultan of Smooth” Pagni claimed gold with a three-point victory over the USA’s Reo Wilde, 146-143, in the Medellin 2016 compound men’s final.

His win was Italy’s fifth gold on compound Saturday and Sergio’s return to the podium on the Hyundai Archery World Cup circuit. The last time he climbed it was in 2013.

“I’ve missed the podium too many times through all these years on the world cup circuit,” said Pagni.

Sergio started with 29. Reo a 27.

In the second end, both shot a perfect 30 points, but, later in the third, the 37-year-old Italian athlete increased the gap to three points and there’s was nothing Reo’s second perfect 30 in the fourth end could do to stop him.

“Making the gold medal match against Reo is something that gives more importance to the results, so I’m really happy about that,” added Sergio.

As this year’s Hyundai Archery World Cup circuit will have only three stages, Sergio is in a commanding position for a spot in the finals in Odense, Demark, that will be held in September. He’s already looking forward.

“This was just one stage. We now have to think about the big final and getting prepared for it,” concluded Sergio, smiling.

Sergio’s teammate Marcella Tonioli, who hadn’t made an individual podium since 2013, collected bronze against Vegas 2016 Indoor Archery World Cup Champion Sarah Sonnichsen.

Sarah was one point up on Marcella heading into the final end, but the latter flipped the advantage to take the win, 143-142.

“It was all super fast. I was nervous because individual matches are all about you,” admitted Marcella. “I think this is a good comeback.”

Italy also collected silvers in the compound men’s team and mixed team competitions, and another bronze with the compound women’s team event in Medellin.