New Delhi—The Archery Premier League (APL) opened to thrilling drama as the Rajputana Royals clinched the inaugural title by edging out the Prithvi Raja Yodhas in a high‑stakes shoot‑off. The steel‑focus finish delivered what fans called a “must‑watch” spectacle and marked the Royals as the first‑ever APL champions.
A Roller‑Coaster Final
The match began with a very close first set. The Yodhas’ Gatha Khadake had hit near the center, but judges upgraded one of her arrows, pushing the team to a 78‑77 win. The Royals responded in the second set, holding off the Yodhas 78‑75 to level the score at 2‑2. The third set saw the Yodhas unleash a historic performance, scoring 80 perfect tens and taking a 3‑2 advantage.
In the fourth set, every arrow counted. Yodhas’ Matias Grande needed a 9 to close the match but shot an 8, giving the Royals a narrow 78‑77 set and tying the overall score at 4‑4. With the tie in play, the venue turned to a dramatic shoot‑off.
Shoot‑Off Decides the Champion
The shoot‑off featured two of the Royals’ most reliable compound archers, Ojas Deotale and Ella Gibson. Both hit the target’s center twice, while none of the Yodhas’ four archers managed to find the yellow dot. The decisive hits gave the Royals a 4‑4 win in the shoot‑off, sealing the championship.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was in attendance, adding extra prestige to the event. Her presence underscored how the APL is quickly becoming a marquee fixture in India’s sporting calendar.
Eloquence From the Semi‑Finals
The Royals’ journey to the final was marked by dominance. In the first semi‑final they posted a 5‑1 scoreline, winning sets 78‑78, 79‑77, and 77‑75. Their compound archers Deotale and Gibson continued hot streaks, delivering near‑perfect 10s that steadied the team even after a tied first set.
The Yodhas fought back in their semi‑final against the Mighty Marathas, achieving a 5‑3 victory after a judges’ re‑measurement sold them the tie‑set (77‑77). Despite a strong performance from Marathas’ Mike Schloesser, the Yodhas’ consistent 10s from Abhishek Verma gave them a two‑set advantage and a spot in the final.
Key Takeaways
- Capture of the First APL Title: Rajputana Royals’ comeback and shoot‑off win gave them the league’s first championship.
- A Dramatic Shoot‑Off: Deotale and Gibson hit the center twice; no Yodhas’ arrows hit the yellow dot.
- Historic Achievements: The Yodhas became the first APL team to score a perfect 80 with all ten‑point arrows, yet it wasn’t enough to secure the trophy.
- Star Athletes: The Royals’ roster included Olympic gold medalist recurver Mete Gazoz, while the Yodhas boasted senior compound archer Abhishek Verma.
- High‑Profile Attendance: Delhi’s Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta, attended the final, highlighting the sport’s growing popularity in the city.
The Archery Premier League now stands as a must‑watch event for archery fans across India. Its blend of elite talent, tight competition, and national attention promises more thrilling finals in the seasons ahead.
Source: ianslive
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