GWANGJU (SOUTH KOREA): India’s remarkable run in the men’s compound events at the World Archery Championships came to a disappointing end on Monday as gold-medal-winning teammates Rishabh Yadav, Aman Saini, and Prathamesh Fuge were all eliminated in the individual quarterfinals.
The trio, who had created history by clinching gold in the team event, were placed in separate quarters of the draw, giving India a realistic chance at a clean sweep. However, hopes of defending the men’s individual compound title ended in heartbreak. Ojas Deotale, the reigning world champion from Berlin 2023, missed the Indian team this year due to fierce competition in the trials. The women’s individual compound events are yet to conclude.
Fuge’s sensational debut ended in a shoot-off against world number two Mathias Fullerton of Denmark. After a thrilling 148-148 tie, Fullerton edged Fuge 10-9 in the shoot-off. Fuge, who had earlier stunned world number one Mike Schloesser with a perfect 150 in the pre-quarters, held a 119-118 lead until the fourth end, but a dropped point at the start of the final end proved decisive. Despite shooting 23 perfect 10s in total, Fuge could not overcome Fullerton’s flawless performance.
India’s top-ranked Yadav also bowed out narrowly, losing 145-146 to eventual world champion Nicolas Girard of France. Yadav, who had contributed to the team gold and mixed team silver on Sunday, surrendered a one-point lead in the penultimate round and dropped two points in the final end.
Saini was eliminated 144-147 by American Curtis Broadnax, leaving India unable to carry forward the momentum from their historic team victory.
Earlier in the day, Fuge, the lowest-seeded Indian at 19th, delivered the biggest upset of his career by defeating world number one and 2013 champion Schloesser with a flawless 150/150, hitting 10s with all 15 arrows—a perfect debut on the world championship stage.
