Miguel Alvarino books ticket to Mexico with victory in Antalya

Former Archery World Cup Champion Miguel Alvarino Garcia won the recurve men’s event at the first stage of the 2022 Hyundai Archery World Cup in Antalya to book a ticket back to the season-ending ending finale, scheduled for October in Tlaxcala.

Miguel won the international tour last time the final was held in Mexico back in 2015.

The current world number 15, who seeded second in Turkey, breezed past Australia’s Ryan Tyack in the final, needing just nine arrows to take gold – his first in 24 career appearances at stages of the Hyundai Archery World Cup.

“I’ve been working hard to win a medal like this for years and I showed my best in the final,” said Alvarino. “I will try to raise my performance and keep the levels consistent for the rest of the season so we will see where that goes.”

The Spaniard, who also won the European Games during his sublime 2015 season, beat five-time circuit champion Brady Ellison in a tiebreak in the Antalya semifinals, delivering a 10 to the world number one’s nine.

“I’ve always wanted to beat him,” he said. "I’ve shot against him before and lost twice so to win it was amazing. I’ve always looked to him as a reference for how to be a successful archer.”

Tyack had cause to celebrate his silver. It’s his first individual medal in 22 appearances on the tour.

“I’m just happy that all my hard work in training has translated into the performances here,” he said. “I’m happy to do everyone at home proud in such a big week for everyone. I’m looking forward to keeping that level high and seeing where it takes me in the coming events.”

The Australian beat reigning Olympic Champion Mete Gazoz in five sets to make the final against Alvarino.

Gazoz would end up the odd man out as Ellison collected his second bronze medal of the day, after he took third place in the mixed team event this morning, by beating the Turkish home favourite, 7-3.

Mete tried to remain positive.

“It was a good competition for me but, of course, I want to win,” he said. “Fourth place is not a bad place for the first tournament of the season, I’m maybe happy, but I’m not sure yet. I won’t think about this week too much. I can shoot better than I have done, I know that, but I’m ready for the second stage of the World Cup.”

The Hyundai Archery World Cup returns for stage two in Gwangju next month.

Podiums: Antalya 2022

Check full results on the World Archery website.

Recurve men

1. Miguel Alvarino Garcia, Spain
2. Ryan Tyack, Australia
3. Brady Ellison, United States of America