By V. Krishnaswamy, IANS,
Beijing : Archer Mangal Singh Champia, who raised India’s hopes with a brilliant performance in the qualification round, caused a heartbreak losing in a close finish to lower ranked Russian Bair Badenov 108-109 in men’s individual pre-quarterfinal at the Olympic Games here Wednesday.
The Indian, seeded second into the main competition, was at the wrong end of the day’s biggest upset as he lost to the 31st seed Badenov at the Olympic Archery Green.
With the Indian women archers already out of the race, Champia’s defeat brought India’s campaign in the Beijing Olympics to an end.
One shot each of a mere seven points in the first two ends spelt disaster for Champia, who had five ’10s’ as compared to his rival’s four.
After Giving away a slight edge in the first two series, when he shot 10-9-7 and 7-9-10 as compared to Badenov’s 9-8-10 and 10-9-9, Champia did put up a spirited fight in the second half of the competition, but fell slightly short.
The three-point advantage after the first two series carried the Russian into the semi final even though Champia had three 10’s and two 9s in his last six arrows.
Earlier in the morning, Champia had got past Vaezi Hojjatullah of Iran 112-98. Champia shot five ’10s’ while his rival did not manage any.
Lee Chang Hwan of Korea set a new 12-arrow Olympic record with a score of 117-109 while beating Ergin Yusuf Goktug of Turkey in the last 16 stage. Lee shot nine ’10s’ and three ‘9s’.
All three Indian women archers Dola Banerjee, Laisram Bombayla Devi and V Pranitha lost in the individual contest Tuesday after having surrendered to China in the quarter final of the team event Sunday.