Korea ended Mexico’s perfect streak in the compound women’s team finals at the third stage of the 2025 Hyundai Archery World Cup in Antalya.
Andrea Becerra and Mariana Bernal were a part of the gold-winning sides at Central Florida and Shanghai – the prior two stages – with Dafne Quintero shooting in America whilst Adriana Castillo featured in China, the latter returning for the Antalya final.
Mexico’s bid for a third straight World Cup gold was halted by Korea, a nation more renowned for recurve dominance than compound. So Chaewon, Sim Sooin and Han Seungyeon fired nine arrows into the 11-ring, outscoring Mexico’s six to build an eight-point lead, 241-233, after the fourth and final end.
“It’s an honour to get the gold medal, and I can’t believe how long it’s been since we won those medals and we need to work better in the rest of the events this year,” said Chaewon, part of the Korean team that last medalled with bronze in Antalya 2018.
“Even though I made a mistake when I hit a nine, I was still able to get the score back and hit 11,” added world record holder Seungyeon, reflecting on how key the 11-ring was at Antalya Beach Park. “I believed in myself and never gave up.”
Korea’s recurve women made history in Paris last year, becoming the first team to claim ten consecutive Olympic gold medals in the event.
Their dominance is unquestioned, grabbing headlines globally – but Korea’s compound women? Less so.
While they have earned five bronze and silver medals at World Cups over the past seven years, gold has eluded them since the 2017 Salt Lake City victory, with 2019 Vegas Shoot champion Chaewon the last to stand atop the podium on the premier circuit.
