Indians impress in qualifying round of archery test event

New Delhi: Chinna Raju Srither managed an aggregate score of 688 in men`s individual compound section as Indians impressed during qualifying rounds of the six-day invitational archery test event for the 2010 Commonwealth Games. The test event, with 83 participants from England, Scotland, Jersey, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore and Welsh, commenced at the new state-of-the-art Yamuna Sports Complex here yesterday. Srither led the chart in men`s individual compound category, followed by Lang Keong Hon (685) of Malaysia and compatriot Jignas Chittibomma (685), respectively. In women`s Individual compound section, Bheigyabati Chanu got the third position, while the English duo of Jane Nicola Hunt and Rae Nichola got the first and second spot, respectively. Tarundeep Rai, Rahul Banerjee and Kapil stole the show in the men`s individual recurve category as they grabbed the top three positions in a field of 27, with respective score of 668, 667 and 665. The women recurve archers also got the top three slots. Rimil Buruily (663) topped the chart, while Pranitha Vardiheni and Chekrovolu Swuro were close second and third, respectively. The event is being organised to check the preparedness of the new archery range that will host the preliminary rounds of the October 3-14 Games. Areas which would be under scanner during the event include field of play, electronic scoreboards, changing rooms, catering facilities, medical aids, security, logistics, transport, technology and maintenance, a release said. The competition format of the event is also similar to that of Commonwealth Games. Meanwhile, Men`s team compound event saw Malaysia leading the tally with a score of 2035, followed by India (2034) and England (2022). Indian women also came second with 1971 points, between topper England (2004) and third-placed Scotland (1953). In the men`s team recurve category India led the tally with a total score of 1992, while Malaysia (1941) came distant second and Scotland (1881) third. Indian women (1945) team also had reason to rejoice as they led the team category ahead of Malaysia (1775) and Wales (1732). PTI