The Indian compound mixed team of Abhishek Verma and Purvasha Sudhir Shende failed to raise its shooting standard against the USA and lost 155-151 in the final to settle for silver in the World Cup archery at Wroclaw, Poland on Saturday.
The U.S. team, which had never lost to India in this category in three meetings, maintained its cent per cent record.
In a tense contest, it was Verma who failed to hold his nerve.
In eight arrows, he shot six 9s and two 10s for a total of 74 points as against the 15-year-old debutante Purvasha’s five 10s and three 9s which gave her a total of 77 points.
For the Americans, Braden Gellenthien was in terrific form, sending all his arrows into the 10-point rings. Crystal Gauvin had three 10s and five 9s.
The last time the two nations’ mixed teams met at Shanghai in the World Cup Stage 1, the Americans won 159-156 in the semifinals.
Interestingly, U.S. won its first mixed gold medal this season.
On Sunday, Indians will figure in the men’s and women’s team’s recurve finals, women’s individual and mixed team bronze medal play-offs.
