Preview: Nimes opens Indoor World Series double-header in 2022

Going back to its roots this year, the Indoor Archery World Series features elite stops at the two events that founded the tour: in Nimes and Las Vegas.

Just ranking points from this double-header of tournaments will choose who competes at the Indoor Archery World Series Finals.

(The circuit was also opened up to local events around the globe this season, with any archers taking part in these competitions listed in a worldwide open ranking.)

Some 700 or so archers are scheduled to compete this weekend at the Nimes Tournament – although that number is still fluid due to ongoing pandemic-related restrictions – with Europe’s most famous indoor event opening up once again after a downsized year in 2021.

Among those on the entry list are back-to-back defending champion Lisell Jaatma and talented indoor shooter Steve Wijler.

Travel from the States into France is currently restricted so this weekend’s tournament is very much a European-focused affair. But a return to the traditional two full days of qualifying, and two full halls of archers, is a return to form for Nimes.

Key information

What’s happening? The Nimes Archery Tournament, the first of two elite events on the Indoor Archery World Series, on 21-23 January 2022 in Nimes, France.

What’s at stake? Prize money and points towards qualification for the Indoor Archery World Series Finals.

What’s the story? Open-entry returns to Europe’s most famous indoor tournament following the pandemic. Against a buffed-out field, will two-time event champion Lisell Jaatma win a third.

Schedule

• Friday 21 January: Qualification
• Saturday 22 January: Qualification and eliminations
• Sunday 23 January: Under-21 finals (morning) and finals (afternoon)

How to watch

World Archery will stream the under-21 finals and finals live on its YouTube channel on Sunday 23 January:

• Live: Under-21 finals – starts at 9h00 CET (local) on Sunday 23 January
• Live: Finals – starts at 13h30 CET (local) on Sunday 23 January

Live scores will be available on the World Archery website and there will be coverage on World Archery‘s digital platforms throughout the competition.

The wily Wijler

Has anybody noticed how sneakily good Steve Wijler is indoors? He’s won in this venue more than once – including last year – and he’s held the Indoor Archery World Series Champion crown, too. Steve’s produced some classic matches indoor before, often against Brady Ellison, and often coming out on top. No such opponent for the wily Wijler in France this year… but don’t be surprised if its him who comes out on top.

Reigning champions

The following archers won the Nimes Archery Tournament in 2021.

• Recurve men: Steve Wijler, Netherlands
• Recurve women: Lisa Unruh, Germany (not returning)
• Compound men: Jean Philippe Boulch, France
• Compound women: Lisell Jaatma, Estonia

Who’s competing?

As well as three of the four champions from last year’s event in Nimes, reigning Indoor Archery World Series Champion Mike Schloesser is entered. A total of more than 700 archers from 27 countries are registered to compete.

Competition at the Nimes Archery Tournament starts with the first qualifying sessions on Friday.