Deepika Kumari defeated World No. 17 Italy's Guendalina Sartori 6-2 in the round of 32 to book a place in the round of 16 in the women's individual archery event at the Rio Olympics on Wednesday. Earlier she had defeated Georgia's Kristine Esebua 6-4 in the round of 64 in the individual women’s archery event.
In the first set against Sartori, Kumari hit 7, 8 and 9 to lose 24-27. In the second, she shot back into form with two scores of 10 and a nine to win 26-29 and tie the score at two set points apiece. In the third set, India's highest ranked archer hit 10, 9 and 9 to win 28-26 and take a 4-2 lead. In the fourth set, Deepika was more relaxed, given that she was in the driver’s seat. She began with an 8 but followed it up with two exquisite strikes of 10 to win 28-27 and take the match 6-2.
Earlier, Deepika Kumari beat Georgia's Esebua 6-4 to progress to the round of 32. She began the first set with an 8, 10 and 9 to win 27-26. In the second, she hit two scores of 10 and a nine to tie the set 29 apiece and earn a point. Kumari then hit three scores of 10 to take a 5-1 lead.
She did drop the fourth set but kept her cool in the fifth to tie it at 29-29 and win the match 6-4.
Deepika Kumari will now face Chinese Taipei's Ya-Ting Tan on Thursday for a place in the quarter-finals. The semi-finals and finals are on the same day, which means India's medal fortunes in women's archery, resting on her and on Bombayla Devi Laishram, will be decided on Thursday.
You’ve read Scroll.
Now help sustain it
Scroll is funded by readers, not corporate owners. If you believe our work matters, support our newsroom. Become a member today!
We’re not driven by clicks or corporate interests – just honest, independent reporting. Keep us going. Support Scroll today!