India’s top archer Deepika Kumari faltered at key moments to go down against World No.1 Bo Bae Ki in the World Cup final here on Sunday.
Deepika, who slipped to the No. 2 spot in the world rankings following her shocking first round loss in the London Olympics last month, lost to the South Korean after winning the first two sets 26-23, 27-25, 24-28, 23-26, 25-26. The final was played amid heavy rain.
Ki, the London Olympics doubles gold medallist, fought back in the contest through her consistent shooting. She won the third and fourth set 28-24, 26-23.
Deepika started the deciding set with a 9 while Ki shot an 8 in reply. The 18-year-old’s second arrow fetched a 9 before the South Korean followed suit, leaving the Indian with a one-point advantage.
Deepika managed a 7 in her final shot and Ki now needed a 9 to get over the line. She did exactly that to capture the title.
Ki also won the Longines Prize for Precision for most 10 pointers during the World Cup season comprising four events.
Another South Korean, Hyeonju Choi secured the bronze defeating America’s Jennifer Nichols of the USA 6-4 in the third place play-off.
Deepika had beaten Nichols 28-24, 25-26, 26-25, 28-27 in the semifinals following her 25-23, 26-26, 29-24, 27-24 win over Miki Kanie of Japan in the last eight stage.
