The Archery Premier League (APL) kicked off its fifth round in New Delhi on Monday, with the Rajputana Royals extending their winning streak and the Kakatiya Knights snatching their first victory of the season. The matches ran under windy, rainy conditions at the Yamuna Sports Complex, drawing a crowd of local school kids who cheered on the sport’s top talents.
Royals stay unbeaten
The Rajputana Royals kept their perfect record, beating the Chero Archers in a nail‑biter that went to a shoot‑off. After the first set was won by the Archers (74‑69), the Royals tied it (77‑74) and edged ahead again (77‑76) to take a 4‑2 lead. The fourth set saw the Archers level the scores (77‑74), sending the bout to a shoot‑off. Only Ella Gibson fired a clean bull’s‑eye, while the other four Royals and all four Archers missed, clinching a 5‑0 victory for the Royals.
Knights break their slump
The Kakatiya Knights delivered their first win of the tournament by defeating the Chola Chiefs over four sets. The Knights dominated the early shots, scoring three straight 10s while the Chiefs struggled. A dramatic fourth set, ending 75‑75, tied the match and forced the shoot‑off. In the decider, the Knights’ Nico hit a decisive 10, and the Chiefs’ Rai could only manage a 9, giving the Knights a 3‑1 edge in the series and a 5‑3 win overall.
Marathas sweep Yodhas
The Mighty Marathas shut out the Prithviraaj Yodhas 6‑2 in a strong performance. Debutant Aman Saini started with a perfect 10, and Parneet Kaur followed with another, keeping the Marathas in front. Throughout the six sets, the Marathas maintained the pressure, earning high scores and doubling the Yodhas’ points in all but one set. The last set finished 77‑61 in favour of the Marathas, completing a clean sweep.
Key moments
- The rain intensified in the third and fourth sets, yet the Royals’ consistency kept them in control.
- The Knights’ Ellie Ellison’s 10‑shot in the opening set was a turning point, while her later 7‑shot proved costly but was offset by her teammates’ strong performances.
- The final shoot‑off showcased the Royals’ composure, with Ella Gibson alone hitting the target.
These matches set the stage for the APL’s round‑robin final day, as teams vie for podium positions. Fans and pundits alike praise the high‑level play and thrilling finishes that define the Archery Premier League.
Source: aninews
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