Three Russian archers top ranking rounds at Asia Cup event in Bangkok

Galsan Bazarzhapov, Inna Stepanova and Anton Bulaev took three top seeds for Russia at the first leg of the 2020 Asia Cup being held on 9-14 March in Bangkok.

Compound women’s qualification was led by Kakakhstan’s Adel Zhexenbinova.

Reigning Universiade Champion Bulaev was the only compound archer to top 700 points, hitting the mark exactly.

“It was important for me to show strong results here at the start of the outdoor season, so I think my start was good,” he said.

“I’m planning to keep the high level of performance, enter the podium at the European Championships in Turkey and then get the place for the World Cup Final.”

Bulaev is the defending European Champion from Legnica in 2018.

Zhexenbinova shot 691 out of a possible 720 points for the 72-arrow ranking round. Recurve archers Bazarzhapov scored 672 and Stepanova recorded 660.

“I think I could shoot better. Competition continues and I am ready for some excellent results,” she said.

“It was important to start the summer season as early as possible. Our team leaders limited indoor shooting for us this year and I think it was the right decision as it’s not easy to adjust from 18 to 70 metres.”

Russia has qualified a women’s team to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Stepanova was silver medallist in the team event four years ago in Rio.

“This will be my third Olympics. I’m not nervous at all. I am determined to show great results,” added Inna.

Qualification took place over Tuesday 10 and Wednesday 11 March. Each ranking round was followed by early eliminations.

Competition continues in Bangkok with team and individual eliminations on Thursday 12, mixed team on Friday 13, and finals on Saturday 14 March in Bangkok.

Eighty-four athletes from 12 countries are competing at this first leg of the Asia Cup.

It is the first world ranking event of the year and taking place amid uncertainty around many events due to the worldwide outbreak of COVID-19.

The first leg of the 2020 Asia Cup takes place on 9-14 March in Bangkok, Thailand.