Türkiye, who have not long come back from a disappointing fourth-place finish at the European Outdoor Championships 2026 a couple of weeks ago, also in Antalya – albeit at the Centennial Centre rather than the Gloria Sports Arena – will obviously not be going to Japan, but today’s encounter between the two nations did feel like a rivalry being born.
In 30 degrees celsius heat, the wind remained on the field in the morning session, but that was not the top of the archers’ issues in the semifinals.
Both China and Türkiye coaches behind the shooting line were vociferous to say the least – echoes of the memorable Korea versus China recurve men’s team match in Shanghai 2025 last year – with cheers in their respective languages bellowing across the pitch, arrow after arrow.
There was, of course, another match occurring at the same time in Korea versus Mexico, with the latter stunning the 10 consecutive Olympic gold medallists – also via shoot-off – and all teams were duly reminded by head judge of the tournament Kathleen Anne Lipscomb to be respectful in the matches.
“These are things that athletes have to accept,” added Jiaman on what she was thinking during the intensity. “It’s not just the coach; sometimes the audience’s influence is also a factor. I think these are things that we shooters have to go through.”
Whilst three straight stage appearances in the World Cup may sound like China breezing past the competition this season, this particular match is an example that it is not just luck that is on their side, but the ability to withstand emotions form themselves and their coaches to get the job done.
Puebla bronze medallists Mexico stand in their way.
Competition continues this afternoon in Antalya with compound and recurve mixed team eliminations currently ongoing.
