Mike shoots near-perfect final to win first stage of season in Colombia

Dutch world number one Mike Schloesser beat the USA’s Braden Gellenthien to the compound men’s title and the Hyundai Archery World Cup Final automatic qualification spot in an incredible title bout at the first stage of the year in Medellin, Colombia.

Schloesser shot 14 perfect 10s before putting his final arrow left in the nine to win, 149-145.

“I really wanted that 150 and I knew I could, and I put too much pressure on myself. Just a bit too long and I lost control of my shot,” he said. “It was okay, but I’ve been way better than that.”

While his last arrow wasn’t as confident as the rest, it was probably the most in-control we’ve ever seen Mike in a finals arena. He has had well-documented struggles with nerves – but overcoming those difficulties ranks as a scary prospect for Mister Perfect’s opponents.

“I’m really working on my mental. I’ve been training a lot more than I usually do and I’m just really working on my mental programme,“ he said.

Schloesser, who won the Hyundai Archery World Cup Final in 2016, has now secured an automatic qualification ticket to this year’s season-ending event.

It caps an incredible week for the 25-year-old, which saw him take top seed over qualification and receive news from home that he had been named a Knight of the Order of Orange-Nassau. The civic honour recognises excellence in Dutch citizens.

Mike improved his all-time win record against Braden to three against the US world number three‘s seven.

Frenchman Jean Philippe Boulch took the compound men’s bronze medal after a shoot-off with Hyundai Archery World Cup debutant Tate Morgan.

Morgan shot a nine, Boulch – after a long hold – nailed a 10.

Competition at the first stage of the 2019 Hyundai Archery World Cup in Medellin, Colombia runs until Sunday 28 April.