The recurve mixed pair of Atul Verma and Laishram Bombayla Devi made the bronze play-off here on Friday to brighten India’s medal prospects in an otherwise disappointing campaign in the Archery World Cup Stage IV here.
Ranked fifth in the qualifications, the Indian pair lost to top-seeded Korea 2-6 in the semifinals to set up a bronze medal clash with seventh seed Italy.
The compound mixed pair of Abhishek Verma and Muskan Kirar, on the other hand, failed to advance, going down to Russia 145-150 after securing a bye into the second round. Fresh from a stupendous show in the World Championships where it bagged a silver and two bronze medals, India’s performance has plummeted in the concluding stage.
It has already exited early from the team and individual events of both recurve and compound section, and its only medal hope rests on the duo of Verma and Bombayala on Sunday.
Having secured a bye into the second round, the Indian pair put up its best show against the Japanese as it overcame a one-set deficit to level the match 4-4 before emerging 5-4 winner in the shoot-off, which it won 20-7.
In the next round, the two beat their opponents from Spain 6-2, only to stumble against heavyweight Korea, which won by an identical scoreline.
