Mike Schloesser wins eighth Hyundai World Cup stage gold in Antalya

Mike Schloesser didn’t need his trademark perfect score as he won his eighth Hyundai World Cup stage in Antalya, Türkiye, the international circuit’s third stage of 2024 .

Nicknamed ‘Mister Perfect’ after becoming the first archer in history to score the maximum 600 points on the indoor 60-arrow 18-metre qualifying round in 2015, Schloesser didn’t need to live up to the alias in the compound men’s individual gold medal match.

He still shot a remarkable score however, 149, the second time today after doing it in the semifinal against Emircan Haney who needed to win the semifinal to qualify for the Hyundai World Cup Final.

Schloesser revealed afterwards his recent near gold misses in Yecheon and Shanghai made Antalya extra special.

“I’ve felt like lately, I’ve been mentally, physically and shooting the best in a long while but I came short every single time losing in a shoot off or losing in a really high match. Winning it now really means a lot to me.”

Due to his current World Cup Ranking, Schloesser was already guaranteed a spot at this year’s final in Tlaxcala. Travelling to Mexico is a familiar route for the three time Vegas Shoot champion with his wife and recurve archer Gaby Schloesser born in Tijuana.

“Going there always feels very nice, very welcoming and the people are awesome,” said Schloesser ahead of his upcoming trip to Tlaxcala in October.

“It’s like a super small town and two years ago we had a parade with thousands of people, that was amazing. I hope it’s going to be the same this year because that makes you appreciate what you do.”

It is not the first time Tlaxcala has been the home of the Hyundai World Cup final, hosting it in 2022. It was also the last time Schloesser won gold in the competition's finale and compared how he's feeling now to two years ago.

“I remember going into that I was super nervous. I had a slip up in my semifinal but from there on I cleaned the final bits out against Nicolas Girard.

“The only way to win tournaments now is give everything you have and hopefully that’s enough.”

Schloesser gave everything and won, Priyansh gave everything and lost. The Bangkok 2023 Asian men’s team champion did what his Dutch counterpart couldn’t in Antalya, shooting a perfect score of 150 in his semifinal against eventual bronze medallist Mathias Fullerton, the Dane is also set to shoot in Mexico. 

But when Schloesser shot nine in the final end, when it mattered the most, the 21 year old squandered the opportunity to win his first individual World Cup stage, dropping a nine before Mister Perfect shot perfect twice to seal the win.

Priyansh, who like Schloesser was already qualified for Tlaxcala due to ranking, remained in high spirits, however.

“I’m feeling really pumped right now. It was a really fun season, really fun three World Cups. I was hoping for a gold but still silver isn’t that bad considering it’s my third season.”

Unlike Priyansh, Elisa Roner had to win the compound women’s individual gold in Antalya to qualify for Tlaxcala which takes place 19-20 October. 

The European Indoor champion beat current world number one Ella Gibson, who defeated Toja Ellison for bronze, and Indoor Archery World Series Finals silver medallist Meeri-Marita Paas to reach a career first World Cup final.

“I still can’t believe it,” said the teary eyed Roner, she also won the compound mixed team bronze in the morning for Italy. “It means so much to me because it was my biggest dream. I always watched this competition as a kid and always dreamed to win it… finally I have a chance.”

The final day of Antalya 2024 takes place tomorrow. The recurve team medal matches are scheduled for the morning whilst individuals take place in the afternoon all of which will be livestreamed on archery+.