Abhishek Verma and V. Jyothi Surekha were on the top of their game as they snatched the number one spots in the men’s and women’s compound individual rankings in the NTPC National archery championships at the Barabati Stadium here on Wednesday.
In hot and humid conditions, Verma and Jyothi scored an identical 706 after two 50m rounds.
Delhi boy Verma, a multiple Asian Games and World Cup medallist, showed his consistency to notch up 354 points in the first round and 352 in the second.
This established a two-point lead over Sangrampreet Singh Bisla of Punjab and Rajat Chouhan of Rajasthan.
Verma, aiming to surpass his National record of 709 achieved in Delhi five years ago, fell short by only three points. “It was very humid, which drained the energy. It became all the more difficult in the second round when the temperature rose. I was so close to the National record, but considering the tough conditions it is a good performance,” said Verma.
Jyothi gave one of her finest performances as she enjoyed a handsome 10-point lead over her nearest competitor Monali Jadhao of All India Police.
The Petroleum Sports Promotion Board girl shot confidently to secure 351 points in the first go and improved on it to 355 in the second.
“I was shooting really well, so I did not bother about the scores. I have done 706 in the past, but touching 355 was a first for me,” said Jyothi, a World championships and Asian Games silver medallist.
Youngsters Priya Gurjar and Prabhjot Kaur, locked on 694, claimed third and fourth places respectively.