Lopez to regain world #1 ranking with Shanghai victory

Colombia’s Sara Lopez is set to regain the number one spot in the compound women’s world rankings, when the new ranking list is released on Monday, following her fourth consecutive gold medal at the Shanghai stage of the 2018 Hyundai Archery World Cup.

She previously sat at the top for a record 1033 consecutive days.

“The world number one spot comes back to me and I know it will be difficult to maintain it for a long time, but I will work hard. I’m very happy and grateful for all the effort my team does to help me,” she added.

Lopez beat Chinese Taipei’s Chen Yi-Hsuan with a near-perfect match of 149 out of a possible 150 points; Chen scored 142.

“It’s the first time I’ve shot this high of a score in a final. My dream has always been to shoot the 150, this time it wasn’t possible but it helps me know that I’m capable,” said Sara.

“I wanted everything at this world cup to go well. I made sacrifices with my university and I think this is the best way to thank my parents, my university and my city for all the help they give me.” 

The multiple world record holder over 50 metres has also booked herself a place at the Samsun 2018 Hyundai Archery World Cup Final with the win, according to a new rule introduced for this season.

Shanghai 2018 marks a repeat of Antalya 2013, where Lopez qualified 23rd and won; this time it was from 24th seed after the ranking round to finishing on the top step of the podium.

So Chaewon of Korea beat the USA’s Jamie van Natta by five points, 146-141, to take compound women’s bronze – her first individual medal on the circuit.

“It was my dream to win. I was nervous and I shot four nines in the first two ends because of the wind, so I had to calm down and recover to shoot better and win,” said So.

The first stage of the Hyundai Archery World Cup takes place in Shanghai, China on 23-29 April.