Woojin, Woo Seok tie on 691 to top recurve men’s field in Antalya

Little to separate Korean teammates Kim Woojin and Lee Woo Seok after the first 72 scoring arrows in Antalya, after the pair topped recurve men’s qualifying with 691 points.

Both shot 45 10s, too – but Woo Seok had more Xs, 20 to 16.

(The only purpose of the four-centimetre X-ring in the very centre of the 122-centimetre target is to break ties like this.)

Woo Seok beat Woojin in the final of last month’s stage, held in the Korean city of Yecheon.

“I feel very happy and enjoy the match when I shoot against Kim Woojin,” said the top seed. “I’ve learnt many things from competing with him. I’m waiting for the final [here].”

The duo have faced each other 10 times in international competition over the last six years – and Woo Seok has won six.

They are favourites here and for the upcoming Olympics in Paris.

“I was there at the World Cup [stage] last year. It was very big, and I was astonished with the venue,” said Lee, who will be travelling to his first Games.

Woojin won last year’s test event.

“I’m waiting for the Games but nervous for them,” added Woo Seok.

The cooling headbands now always won by the Korean men were critical in the near-boiling heat. The temperature was in the mid-30s degrees Celsius. Tough conditions, especially for an archer like Woojin, looking for his first win of the season.

“I would like to think of this as a pre-event for the Olympics,” he said. “Not just for the result but I’d like to get my mindset prepared for the Olympics this time.”

Team gold medallist at both Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, Woojin has not yet made the individual podium at the Games.

He and Woo Seok return to the competition field, alongside Kim Je Deok, tomorrow morning for team eliminations. Korea is seeded top.