Chinese archer Zhang Juanjuan stunned Russia's world No. 1 Natalya Erdyniyeva in the 1/16 elimination of women's individual at the Olympic archery trial held in Beijing on Thursday.
Zhang marked a inner ten to wrap up the 113-107 victory over Erdyniyeva, reaching the last 16.?
Erdyniyeva started in perfection by shooting three tens at her first three attempts, but China's Zhang won't surrender to the Russian's vigor. Zhang answered with a 10-10-9 score.
In the second-three shots, both archers were affected by wind. Zhang claimed three nines against Erdyniyeva's 9-8-8. Zhang came up to lead half-way by one point.
Erdyniyeva started first in second half with a poor six. The result was really a shot for her as she shook her head after looking over the target in telescope. Zhang took use of the blunder to jump ahead with four-point lead after the round.
In the last three arrows, Erdyniyeva was not capable of cut the gap and got dismayed leave.
Erdyniyeva said she thought too much during the match. "The wind was not blowing so strongly, but when it blew the archers began to think about it. It was wrong to think about it, so it was my mistake," said Erdyniyeva.
Zhang's success came from her full psychological preparation before the match.
"The coach did not make any special arrangements, but I myself prepared for the match psychologically. I was quite confident about the 1/32 elimination, because the opponent is rather weak," said Zhang.
"I anticipated that I would meet this Russian archer in the 1/16 elimination round, who is now ranked world No.1. Therefore, I was fully prepared to have a fierce competition with her.
"It is pleasing that I have persevered to the end. The wind had some influence, but I felt better when I held the bow more tightly.?
Another top seed washed out is world No. 8 Lee Tuk Young from South Korea. Lee lost to Polish archer Malgorzata Cwienczek 103-104.
(Xinhua News Agency August 24, 2007)