Wentzel becomes first South African archer to win World Cup stage in Antalya

Danelle Wentzel beat Alexis Ruiz of the USA to the compound women’s title in Antalya to become the first South African archer to win a stage of the Hyundai Archery World Cup in history. She took the final by three points, 144-141.

“I was so nervous shooting that first arrow. And the second. I’ve always wanted to shoot on the beach here in Antalya, and I’m really happy that I can say I did,” said Wentzel. 

“It’s a great feeling. I’m really happy with how I performed this tournament. Everything was just consistent. I shot consistently and I performed well.”

The 24-year-old powered ahead in the second end after an uncharacteristically low volley of 26 from Ruiz.

Alexis recovered in the third end, shooting a clean 30, but two nines in the fourth gave Wentzel a clear advantage. Both shot a perfect 30 to close – handing Wentzel the match by three.

“When I shot the last end, I knew I had to just keep it up and then I could take it,” said Danelle. “I knew what she was shooting because I could hear it. But I was just trying to focus on my own shot routine, just trying to make it happen.”

The result books Wentzel a ticket to the 2019 Hyundai Archery World Cup Final in Moscow in September. After collecting two bronze and one silver medal over three events, Ruiz is now mathematically safe to qualify, too – on points rather than as a stage winner.

Danelle’s win wasn’t the first time on the day that the crowd in Antalya heard the South African anthem.

Jeanine van Kradenburg and Reuben Brent-Meek dropped just two points in a high-quality mixed team final against experienced Danes Stephan Hansen and Tanja Jensen. 

“When I saw how she [Jeanine] released that last arrow, then I knew we were going to win it. You can see when she shoots a good shot,” said Reuben. 

The match finished 158-157 – giving the South African team its first ever compound mixed team victory, too.

Huang I-Jou won the compound women’s bronze medal; home team Turkey finished third in the compound mixed team competition.

The third stage of the 2019 Hyundai Archery World Cup takes place on 20-26 May in Antalya, Turkey.