BERLIN, Germany - USA compound archers wrapped competition today at the fourth stage of the 2018 Archery World Cup circuit in Berlin.
Arguably the most competitive stage of the year, this was also the first USA compound mixed team podium finish of the season after Kris Schaff and Jamie Van Natta came in 4th in Salt Lake last month. Paige Pearce, who was absent in Salt Lake, qualified 8th individually in Berlin to join men's 2nd place qualifier Schaff. The duo ranked 4th and shot strong to earn a shot at gold against 3rd ranked team, Denmark.
Taking the stage against good friends and strong competitors, the U.S. duo expected stiff competition. "Stephan [Hansen] is number one in the world for a reason," Schaff told World Archery.
Gore and Schaff opened with a 37 for a two-point deficit, but a perfect 40 in the second end brought the score back to their favor, 77-76. As the U.S. refused to open a door, each team put up another 78 points over the final eight arrows as Schaff and Gore clinched the win and gold 155-154.
Schaff also took the stage with strong team lineup Steve Anderson and Braden Gellenthien. The USA compound men's team took on Croatia in the gold final. Opening with a 59 to Croatia's 58, the match proved tough. Croatia posted consecutive 59s over the next three ends while USA managed a 57, 59 and 58 for a final tally of 233-235 and the silver finish.
Filling the maximum two spots per country for the prestigious Archery World Cup Final in Samsun, Turkey this fall, Braden Gellenthien and Kris Schaff earned USA's invitations. World Archery's new rule this year gave each individual stage winner an automatic invitation to the Final, but both Schaff and Gellenthien earned enough points over the season to make the brackets - with Gellenthien the highest ranked over all.
On the recurve side, four-time Champion Brady Ellison qualified for his 9th straight World Cup Final, an unheard-of feat and great accomplishment.
Complete results from the event are available atwww.worldarchery.org. Follow USA Archery on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more.
Photo: World Archery
< Back to All News
