Korean recurve women extend World Cup unbeaten run to six stages

Korea’s recurve women beat China in the final of the recurve women’s team event at the second stage of the 2019 Hyundai Archery World Cup in Shanghai, making it two gold medals from two events this season and extending an impressive unbeaten run to six tournaments.

The last time the team lost at a stage was in the final of Salt Lake City in June 2017.

In Shanghai, the win was short and sweet. Kang Chae Young, Choi Misun and Chang Hye Jin shot sets of 54, 57 and 55 points to demolish the hosts, who never topped 53.

“I expected it was going to be a tough match against China, but we just focused on our own performance and our own shooting,” said Chae Young.

This is the line-up that will defend Korea’s world champion title in ’s-Hertogenbosch next month. When asked if they were ready, Misun’s answer was simple: “Yes.”

What sets the Korean women apart from other teams is also simple – the ability to adjust and adapt during competition, improving as matches progress. Olympic Champion Chang started this final poorly, shooting two eights, but as the anchor in the Korean rotation quickly tightened up and put in two 10s in the second set.

“Even if I made a mistake, I completely trust my teammates to shoot well,” she said. “We practised a lot with this order and these positions. We aren’t worried.”

Since August 2017, the Korean recurve women’s team has taken gold medals at the stages in Berlin, Shanghai, Antalya, Berlin, Medellin and now Shanghai again.

Cemented as the world number one squad, Chang, Choi and Kang will attempt to secure Korea’s 14th World Archery Championship title in the division this summer.

Chinese Taipei, which has never had a world champion but orchestrated the Korean women’s last loss, remains one of the more potent challengers.

Lei Chien-Ying, Lin Chia-En and Tan Ya-Ting beat Alipoor Niloofar, Zahra Nemati and Shiva Shojamehr of Iran, 6-2, to secure the recurve women’s team bronze medal in Shanghai.

The second stage of the 2019 Hyundai Archery World Cup takes place on 6-12 May in Shanghai, China.