Top 5: Best photos from 2023 season opener in Antalya

Antalya hosted the first stage of the 2023 Hyundai Archery World Cup last week.

Four first-time winners took the individual honours – Indian archer Jyothi Surekha Vennam headlining a quartet that included 18-year-old Brit Penny Healey, Moldovan Dan Olaru and Jozef Bosansky of Slovakia –and booked themselves each a ticket to this September’s Hyundai Archery World Cup Final in Hermosillo.

World Archery’s official photographer Dean Alberga was on hand to document the competition. Here are his five favourite photos from the week.

5. Long time coming

Ultimately, we’re just there to capture the action – and the emotion. Jozef Bosansky’s had some close calls in the past but this win has been a long time coming. Well deserved result.

4. Fiesta

It’s fun watching a team that’s having fun competing. This Mexican line-up, featuring 16-year-old Angela Ruiz, achieved something massive in Antalya with that first-ever circuit win for the country. Take a look at what it meant.

3. The new follow-through

A few years ago, the spotting monitors that use to sit on the floor in front of the archers were removed. Big bonus for photographers – because it wasn’t a good look, athletes looking down at the ground, as soon as they’d shot. Now they listen more to their coaches and try to catch a glimpse of where the arrow lands on the big screen.

The cut to the target is fast, though. Wei Shaoxuan’s bow is still swinging and he’s looking. “The new follow-through,” I’ve heard it called.

2. Old school

Take all the tablets, smartphones and digital apps you want, some archers still prefer the old-school notebook. Alejandra Valencia has been around for a while and I wonder how many of these books she’s filled.

1. Arrows fly

No podium for Mete Gazoz this year in Antalya but the Olympic Champion started the week strong, posting a solid 688-point qualifying round to seed first. He’s always been a cheeky character – and he certainly knows how to make his arrows fly true.

See the full photo albums from Antalya online.