Italian
The Madrid stage of the Archery World Cup concludes with Mauro Nespoli’s silver in the recurve and the bronze of the mixed team
MADRID (SPAIN) – It started well, it ended better. On the first day of the fourth stage of the World Cup taking place in Madrid the bronze of the men’s team arrived with Mauro Nespoli, Matteo Borsani, and Francesco Gregori. On the last day, two more medals come in.
On the second step of the podium is again Mauro Nespoli in the individual event, while just before, the mixed team made up of Roberta Di Francesco and Matteo Borsani secured their second consecutive bronze in the World Cup after last month’s in Antalya.
Silver Medlar
The beautiful run of Mauro Nespoli in the individual event stops just short of gold. In the semifinals, the blue archer achieved a remarkable feat by defeating the strong Korean Kim Je Deok. The Italian starts better, taking a 2-0 lead (28-25), but the Asian competitor responds by quickly leveling the score at 2-2 (28-29).
The Olympian moves ahead again with a 29-27 that makes it 4-2 and tries to close it out, but Kim takes it to the fifth set with a 27 all. Still tied at 28-28, the Italian flies into the final against the Turkish Mete Gazoz, yet another rematch of the gold final from Tokyo 2020.
The Olympic gold starts at a thousand, once again demonstrating this year’s absolute form where he reached the World Cup final three times out of four stages held. For him, all 10s except one 9 in the first six shots for a resounding 0-4 (27-29 and 25-30).
The last set also sees the Turkish player confirm his precision, while Nespoli struggles to find the right rhythm. It ends 0-6 (26-25) but with the certainty of a very heavy medal around his neck.
Second bronze for Di Francesco and Borsani
The day had started well with the second consecutive bronze in the World Cup for the mixed recurve team. The pair made up of Roberta Di Francesco and Matteo Borsani defeated India in the final with a score of 5-3. The Azzurri did well to emerge victorious against the duo formed by Kirti and Bommadevara.
The opponents start better. After the 38-38 draw in the first round, they lead 3-1 thanks to the 38-37 in the second round of arrows. The Azzurri are not giving up and with the last eight arrows hit the 10 seven times. India tries to respond but can do nothing against the 39-37 and 40-37 for the final score of 5-3.
Radiant Roberta Di Francesco at the end of the race: “I can’t even explain the emotions I’m feeling. I’m really happy to have won another medal in the World Cup, winning with Matteo is truly special.” Matteo Borsani echoes her: “I shot well and I’m really happy for this medal.”
Photo Credits: World Archery
