Archery Premier League
Abhishek Verma leads Prithviraj Yoddha to their first win
Dr. Shrikrishna Sharma
New Delhi. Abhishek Verma’s impressive performance led Prithviraj Yoddha to their first win. The Archery Premier League (APL) matches being held at the DDA Yamuna Sports Complex in New Delhi witnessed intense competition. The match between Kakatiya Knights and Prithviraj Yoddha was a thrilling one. Both teams struggled for victory from the outset. The Yoddhas successfully attempted to strengthen their hold on the tournament. Prithviraj Yoddha’s strategic changes to their shooting strategy proved successful. The Yoddhas won the first set after a close contest, 73-72. The Knights, striving for a comeback, returned with renewed confidence in the second set. Kakatiya’s Jignas shot two perfect 10s in his first two attempts, giving the team a solid start. Verma countered their intensity with a 10 on her opening shot, securing a close contest. However, Jyoti Surekha, for the Knights, hit consecutive 10s to take the second set 75-64, leveling the score with the Warriors, and then tying the match at 2-2 in the next set.
The Knights then won the third set 73-71 to take a 4-2 lead. The fourth set began with a perfect 10 from Verma, followed by a 10 from Andrea, further strengthening the Warriors’ start. Meanwhile, Jignas scored a 9 on his first attempt, while Jyoti Surekha scored a 10 to keep the Knights in the match. Verma continued his impressive form, and the Warriors won the set 75-70, leveling the score at 4-4. With the two teams tied, the tournament’s first shoot-off was held to decide the winner. Verma started the shoot-off with confidence and aimed at the target. While Nico Wiener missed his first shot, the match remained exciting. However, the Yoddhas’ early lead ensured them the victory.
Chola Chiefs vs. Rajputana Royals Match
Both Chola Chiefs and Rajputana Royals got off to a strong start, scoring perfect 10s to keep the score even. Rishabh Yadav’s brilliant shot then gave the Chiefs the lead. However, Prathamesh brought his team back into the contest with a perfect 10 for the Royals. The Royals maintained their accuracy and composure, winning the first set 78-71 to take the lead. In the second set, Yadav once again shot a perfect 10 to give the Chiefs a good start. The Chiefs maintained their momentum with consistent shots. However, the Royals made a strong comeback by hitting consecutive perfect 10s. However, the Royals maintained their composure and defeated the Chiefs 77-75 to win the second set and take a 4-0 lead.
In the third set, Yadav once again hit a perfect 10 on his first shot. The Royals also quickly equalized with a perfect 10. The Royals performed better in their final attempts and won the set 74-71. With this, the Royals secured a 6-0 victory.
Chero Archers vs. Mighty Marathas
An exciting match was played between the Chero Archers and the Mighty Marathas. The Mighty Marathas defeated the Chero Archers, winning the first set 74-70. The Chero Archers, displaying remarkable concentration and composure, staged a strong comeback, winning the second set 77-76 to level the match at 2-2. The third set began with a strong start for the Mighty Marathas, with Mike Schloesser hitting a perfect 10. The Chero Archers soon equalized with a perfect 10 as well. Both teams continued to score points, preventing each other from gaining an advantage. With both teams’ determination, the set ended in a 75-75 draw, making the overall score 3-3. Schloesser opened the fourth set with another perfect 10, giving the Marathas an early lead. Atanu Das, for the Chero Archers, scored crucial points with a perfect 10 to keep his team in the match. Mighty Marathas won the set 77-76 and won the match by a margin of 5-3.
