Business as usual: Korean men shoot 57-point set average, take Antalya gold

“I am happy to be back and part of a medal winning team,” said KIM Woojin, the 2011 World Champion and 2012 World Cup Final Champion who was controversially left out of the last Korean Olympic team. “I’m just trying to enjoy it.”

Though not picking up the individual titles he did the last time he was on the World Cup circuit, it’s two team golds in a row for the already-successful KIM.

It’s the first two for Korean rookie KU Bonchan in his career, who shoots for individual gold this afternoon in Antalya – his first World Cup finals match without any team members shooting alongside him.

“Learning about the situation and wind direction was a good lesson,” said KU, in respect to his upcoming individual match. “The wind wasn’t a problem, though.”

The last two Korean sets both totaled 58 – out of 60 – points, smothering any chance of a Russia comeback. As well as being straight-set beaten, the Russians were outscored by 12 points over 18 arrows; though they did finish with a strong 57.

CHOI Yong Hee became the first Korean compound gold medallist on the World Cup tour yesterday in Antalya – but Olympic Champion OH Jin Hyek doesn’t think that adds any pressure on the recurves: “every time we compete we want gold.”

“Compound is a separate competition, we just concentrate on the recurve.”

Both will be at the Asian Games later this year, and preparation for both teams is progressing well. “We know each other, know each team member’s weaknesses,” said OH. “We will work on everything to make it absolutely perfect.”

Two 56 six-arrow series quickly put Japan 4-0 set points up in the bronze final. Malaysia pulled one set back when Japan’s score dipped in the third, but the comeback was short lived.

Shanghai individual gold medallist Hideki KIKUCHI delivered the final blow in a fourth set that saw the Japanese claim the third podium spot.

Competition at the third 2014 Archery World Cup stage in Antalya runs from 11-15 June. Check scores, event news and visit World Archery’s Facebook page and @worldarchery on Twitter for coverage.