Russian compound women arrive in Den Bosch with reputation to restore
The Russian team has been out in full strength at Hyundai Archery World Cup so far this year, preparing for this world championships and the European Games in Minsk, Belarus. The nation has one of the deepest camps in the archery peloton.
Natalia Avdeeva and the rest of the compound women were positive after a strong practice session.
“This was exactly the kind of weather you want for a world championships – even if yesterday was crazy,” she said. “Today it was beautiful and I like this field and this place.”
The venue at the 2019 Hyundai World Archery Championships is spread over a rugby field, park and a city square in the centre of ’s-Hertogenbosch – all linked together with entertainment pitstops for the public.
This tournament follows mixed results for Russia in Antalya, the third stage of the Hyundai Archery World Cup.
The compound women’s team, which Avdeeva anchors, powered into the final but then lost to the USA by three points after a shaky third end.
“When we were shooting the eliminations matches, it was just incredible. It felt like we were one person. But when we were on the finals field, it felt good but our minds were not quite together,” said Natalia.
The team here has one change from that line-up. Young Elizaveta Knyazeva, just 19 years old, has replaced Alexandra Savenkova.
Russian teams have favoured extended training camps for some time, a consequence of the athletes being spread across a large country with variable climates. The nation is well known for training in the country of an upcoming event – or close to it.
“After Antalya, we had a practice camp in Russia, then another practice camp in Belgium,” said Avdeeva.
“Yes, we are away a great deal, but actually we now have a beautiful new summer base in Russia to train. And I shot a 708 in the practice camp. I hope I can put in a result like that here.”
Natalia’s career best qualification score in international competition is 701 points.
“This is the big event for compounds, and it’s a big event for Russia, too. Of course, I hope the Russian compound women’s team grab a medal here because the last world championship medal was in 2009,” she said.
“We have to get something. Especially as I’m sure our recurve team will get to the last four here.”
Competition at the 2019 Hyundai World Archery Championships begins with qualification on Monday 10 June.
The 2019 Hyundai World Archery Championships take place on 10-16 June in ’s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands.
