Barbelin, Kroppen join roster for 2023 Archery World Cup Final

France’s Lisa Barbelin and Germany’s Michelle Kroppen have been added to the line-up of the 2023 Hyundai Archery World Cup Final, replacing China’s An Qixian and Hai Ligan, who have withdrawn.

No further changes to the 32-archer roster are expected.

The Chinese recurve women are understood to have turned down their places in Hermosillo due to domestic commitments ahead of the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. Qualified archers from other Asian nations, including Korea and Chinese Taipei, will compete in both.

Kroppen is a previous Hyundai Archery World Cup Champion, having won the tour in 2021, while it is Barbelin’s first circuit final.

“It’s such an honour to take part,” said the 23-year-old, who was runner-up at the tour’s fourth stage in Paris last week. “I’ve dreamed about it since the Olympics [in Tokyo] and now it’s true.”

Up to 16th in the Sanlida World Archery Rankings after the podium on home soil, things appear to be falling into place for one of France’s best hopes for a medal at next summer’s Games.

“I still need to improve myself a lot because I want to do something really great at Paris 2024,” said Barbelin. “This ending to the season shows me that I can do it, if I’m really focused on my goal.”

Competition at the 2023 Hyundai Archery World Cup Final takes place on 9-10 September in Hermosillo, Mexico.