Puerto Rico’s Munoz prevents home-soil clean sweep at ranking event in Medellin

Puerto Rican recurve archer Adrian Munoz beat reigning Pan American Champion Santiago Arcila, 6-2, to win gold in Medellin and prevent Colombia from taking all four titles at this week’s world ranking event.

The 20-year-old had seeded top, shooting 673 points for the 72-arrow qualifying round, and proved resilient in the final.

“I knew he was going to hit me with his best shots. I believe the set points were close but the key is to be consistent and keep calm,” said Munoz.

The world number 102, who’s set to receive a bump up the list after this result, opened with three 29s to put his opponent on the ropes.

“There are many big competitors here in Colombia and, honestly, I’m very proud,” he continued.

Munoz was correct – Colombia, particularly on home soil, was dominant, winning the three remaining individual golds.

Medellin is tipped to return as a host of a stage of the Hyundai Archery World Cup in 2022.

Despite appearances from former world champion James Lutz and former Hyundai Archery World Cup Champion Kris Schaff, it was the host’s Daniel Munoz who crested the compound men’s podium, beating El Salvador’s Douglas Nolasco in the final.

Allyx Zuluaga took the recurve women’s title and Alejandra Usquiano landed the compound women’s top spot.

Usquiano defeated teammates and reigning World Archery Champion Sara Lopez in their final, 149-146.

“It was a difficult match but it’s always worth the fight,” said Alejandra. “What matters is the result and how I feel about it.”

The event in Medellin doubled as a continental qualifier for the upcoming World Games.

Six quota places were available, three each for male and female compound archers. The USA and El Salvador won spots in each, with Colombia – courtesy Daniel Munoz – taking a men’s ticket and Puerto Rico securing the last women’s invite.