Schloesser wins third circuit title after rematch of 2019 final
Mike Schloesser beat Braden Gellenthien, 148-144, in a rematch of the last compound men’s final on the Hyundai Archery World Cup to win back-to-back circuit trophies and take his record third title.
“It was awesome. I felt like my shooting was good and I know that Braden is always a worthy opponent so I knew I needed to put my A-game on,” said Mike.
“I walked up there, and I felt really score with myself and my shooting, so I’m really happy I could show it.”
The pair met two years ago when the event was held in Moscow. That match was closer.
After three ends of the final in Yankton, they were tied on 29.
The world number one then landed two consecutive perfects as frustrating seeped over Gellenthien’s face in responds to a flurry of nines.
There was no sign of nerves from Mister Perfect, who had shot a 149-point match in the semis where his lone nine had been caused by a deflection off another of his arrows in the 10.
He placed his thumb confidentially on the trigger as he delivered a perfect 30 to close, never letting off, and winning the match, 148-144.
“It‘s the eight best people in the world that year coming to compete,” said Mike on the event. “It means a lot because I know the eight best archers are here, so winning against them means a lot to me.”
Mike and Braden arrived in Yankton as two of the three compound men with two circuit trophies to their name.
(The third is Sergio Pagni, who won back-to-back in 2009 and 2010.)
Schloesser is now the lone archer in the category with three titles.
Gellenthien, meanwhile, adds an incredible eighth podium finish at the Hyundai Archery World Cup Final since 2007.
In Yankton, Braden beat Abhishek Verma of India in the quarters, 146-142, and then US teammate Kris Schaff, 147-146.
“Nobody likes losing. But I got second place at the World Cup Final, so at the end of the day, I’m pretty happy,” said the runner-up.
“Obviously, I wish it turned out a little bit differently but I’m happy, I’m excited and motivated for next year. It’s another medal to add to the count and I hope to put it a little bit higher before I retire.”
Schaff defeated Denmark’s Mathias Fullerton, the 18-year-old who has arguably had the breakout performance of the year, in a shoot-off for the bronze medal.
The former circuit champion – he won in 2018 – shot first in the tiebreak and put down an excellent 10.
Fullerton’s arrow was also a 10, just slightly further out.
“It’s always good to be shooting on home soil and to walk away with a medal is even better,” said Schaff, whose family was watching from the stands.
“They’ve never really been to a big tournament like this… this is the first one having the whole family together and it’s awesome.”
Competition concludes in Yankton with recurve finals on Thursday.
