Olympic Day 8 : Archery - Archer Chu Sian Outshoots Olympic Record Holder

BEIJING, Aug 15 (Bernama) – Malaysia's Cheng Chu Sian upset Olympic record holder Lee Chang Hwan to qualify for the archery individual quarterfinals where his advance was halted by Russia's Bair Badenov at 109-104 Friday.

Cheng's performance was a first for Malaysian archery history in a sport that is still relatively unpopular back home. Malaysian archers are in the Olympics for only the second time and Cheng is making his debut.

The 22-year-old from Penang was level against his Russian rival after the first three arrows but he dropped back with two sevens during the rest of the way.

By the 12th and final arrow, the very consistent Badenov needed just four points to claim victory and he struck an eight to wrap it up.

"I made a mistake and ended up with the sevens, it is too technical to explain," said Cheng who had surprised the field in the morning by beating Lee in a two-arrow shoot-off after they tied 105-105 after the regular contest.

In the ensuing nail-biting drama, both scored a nine with their first arrow and in the second, Lee, aimed first and again struck a nine.

Cheng saw his chance. He stepped up and displaying nerves of steel, he hit the bull's eye for the second time in the third round bout.

The arena erupted into resounding applause to the dismay of a large crowd of Korean fans who had come to cheer for the much-experienced Lee.

"I wanted to make up for the team event, I told myself that I must do my best. I went to sleep early last night," said Cheng.

"I have beaten him before but I cannot recall when. Lee has also lost to Wan Khalmizam before and possibly because of this, he is under a lot of pressure when he faces opposition from Malaysia," he added.

Lee, who is a part of the South Korea gold winning team, scored an Olympic record of 117 only two days ago in the first round.

Cheng, who is the highest ranked Malaysian in the world standing at number 13, had fared the worst during the team quarterfinals in teaming up with Wan Khalmizam Abd Aziz and Muhd Marbawi Sulaiman.

RESULT:

THIRD ROUND;

Cheng Chu Sian (MAS): 9-8-8-9-9-9-9-9-8-8-10-9 = 105

Lee Chang Hwan (KOR): 9-9-7-8-8-9-9-10-9-9-9-9 = 105

SHOOTOFF:

Cheng Chu Sian (MAS) 9-10

Lee Chang Hwan (KOR) 9-9

QUARTERFINALS:

Cheng Chu Sian (MAS): 8-10-9-7-9-9-8-9-9-7-10-9 = 104

Bair Badenov (RUS): 9-10-8-9-10-9-9-9-9-10-9-8 = 109



-- BERNAMA