Turkey wins first compound women’s team gold in World Cup history

Yesim Bostan, Gizem Elmaagacli and Ipek Tomruk beat Great Britain’s Susan Corless, Ella Gibson and Sarah Moon to the compound women’s team title at the fourth stage of the 2019 Hyundai Archery World Cup in Berlin, claiming Turkey’s first gold medal in the category in the history of the international circuit.

“Every time, our biggest goal is the gold medal, but we’ve always shot for the bronze medal. This was the first time [we were going for gold]”, said Bostan. “We were expecting it in this competition because we believe in ourselves and in our team.”

The Turkish women have finished third three times over the past four years.

Already guaranteed at least a silver in Germany, they came out firing on all cylinders. Turkey had a two-point lead after the first six arrows, 58-56, and only extended its margin over the length of the match.

Bostan, Elmaagacli and Tomruk never missed the yellow and finished 11 points ahead, 232-221.

“We tried a different rotation at this competition and we were stronger than before,” said Bostan. “I hope [this medal leads to many more].”

The silver is Great Britain’s compound women’s second consecutive team podium on the circuit after taking bronze in Antalya.

​The USA’s Cassidy Cox, Alexis Ruiz and Sophia Strachan beat host nation athletes Kristina Heigenhauser, Velia Schall and Jennifer Wenzl of Germany to the bronze medal, 231-220.

The fourth stage of the 2019 Hyundai Archery World Cup takes place on 1-7 July in Berlin, Germany.