Schaff shoots competition best to seed top in Medellin

Kris Schaff, reigning world champion Sara Lopez, Adrian Munoz and Ana Maria Rendon led qualifying as competition began at this week’s world ranking event in Medellin, Colombia.

Despite taking a break since the worlds in Yankton two months ago, Schaff looked on fine form.

His 713 is a new competition best, beating his previous top score – a 711 shot in 2018, the year he won the Hyundai Archery World Cup – by two points.

“It feels good to shoot that good in an international competition,” said Schaff.

“You know, I gave up a few points I feel I shouldn’t have, so my score could have been a little bit higher but I’m definitely happy with it being a personal best at a world ranking [tournament].”

Ten compound men broke 700, with Schaff (713), Daniel Munoz (712) and Roberto Hernandez (711) all above 710.

The weather was near perfect on qualifying day. Only a short burst of torrential rain during the first end of the compound men’s round upset the sunshine.

Sara Lopez’s last major tournament brought her a record sixth Hyundai Archery World Cup Champion title.

The one before that delivered a much-coveted world title.

Now comfortably back into the number one spot in the world rankings, Sara’s impeccable form continued as she headed a list of five Colombian compound women in the top five seeds after qualifying.

“The objective is always to see the Colombian flag on top of the podium, whether it’s through one of my teammates or with me,” she said.

Lopez shot 708 points for the 72-arrow 50-metre round.

Adrian Munoz (673) and Daniel Pineda (670) were the top scorers in the recurve men’s competition, while experienced international Ana Maria Rendon’s 645 led the women.

As well as world ranking points, this week’s tournament in Medellin will also award six quota places to compound archers for the 2022 World Games.