New Delhi, Oct 4 (NationPress) Fans experienced yet another thrilling encounter on Day 3 of the Archery Premier League (APL) on Saturday at the DDA Yamuna Sports Complex in New Delhi, where the Prithviraj Yodhas, Rajputana Royals, and Mighty Marathas celebrated victories in their respective matches.

The opening match unfolded as an exhilarating face-off between the Kakatiya Knights and the Yodhas. Both teams exhibited remarkable intensity, precision, and teamwork from the get-go, allowing the Yodhas to finally secure their first win in the tournament.

The Yodhas commenced the match strongly, showcasing steady aim and composure amidst pressure. Their consistent scoring enabled them to narrowly overcome the Knights in a fiercely contested first set, clinching it 73-72. Abhishek Verma, leading his team, displayed exceptional shooting skills and control, establishing an early lead.

However, the Knights quickly regrouped in the second set, exhibiting renewed confidence. Kakatiya’s Jignas achieved two perfect 10s in his initial attempts, setting an excellent tone for the team. Verma matched the intensity with a 10 on his first shot, maintaining a tight competition. Nevertheless, it was Jyoti Surekha who shone for the Knights, scoring back-to-back 10s and demonstrating immense composure under pressure.

Her precise shooting altered the momentum in favor of the Knights, who maintained their consistency until the final arrow of the set. Their teamwork paid off as they secured the second set 75-64, equalizing the score with the Yodhas and keeping the contest finely balanced at 2-2 as they entered the next set. The Knights carried their momentum into the third set, winning it 73–71 and taking a 4–2 lead. Their archers remained calm under pressure, while the Yodhas continued to push, falling short by just two points.

The fourth set commenced with Verma hitting a perfect 10, quickly followed by Andrea who added another 10 to bolster the Yodhas’ start. On the opposing side, Jignas managed a 9 in his first attempt, while Jyoti Surekha struck a 10 to keep the Knights competitive. Verma sustained his strong form and led the Yodhas to take the set 75–70, leveling the score at 4–4.

With both teams tied, the match proceeded into the first shoot-off of the tournament to determine the winner.

Verma initiated the shoot-off with confidence, hitting the target, while Nico Wiener missed his initial shot. Both teams missed their subsequent attempts, heightening the tension. Yet, the Yodhas already had the lead and ultimately emerged victorious.

Chola Chiefs vs Rajputana Royals

The second match of Day 3 in the APL featured both Chola Chiefs and Rajputana Royals starting strongly, achieving perfect 10s to keep the score level early on. The Chiefs then gained momentum with an impressive bull’s-eye from Rishabh Yadav. Nevertheless, Prathmesh responded for the Royals with a perfect 10 of his own, bringing his team back into contention.

The Royals maintained their accuracy and composure to win the first set 78-71, taking the lead in the match.

In the second set, Yadav once again provided the Chiefs a strong start by hitting a perfect 10. The Chiefs continued their rhythm with consistent shots, but the Royals countered with a series of perfect 10s to stay competitive.

Both teams exhibited great focus and accuracy, making it a closely contested match. However, the Royals kept their nerves and edged out the Chiefs 77-75 to win the second set as well, moving to a 4-0 advantage.

The third set commenced with Yadav showcasing his consistency, hitting a perfect 10 with his first shot. The Royals quickly matched him with a perfect 10, keeping things level early on. Both teams continued to deliver impressive shots, keeping the contest alive.

However, the Royals maintained their composure under pressure and finished stronger in the final attempts, winning the set 74–71. With this victory, the Royals clinched the match 6-0.

Chero Archers vs Mighty Marathas

The day concluded with the final match featuring the Chero Archers against the Mighty Marathas, which turned out to be yet another thrilling contest. Both teams started strongly, matching each other shot for shot and keeping the scores close.

The archers on both sides displayed great focus and determination, making it an exciting spectacle for the crowd.

Ultimately, the Mighty Marathas held their nerve under pressure, narrowly surpassing the Chero Archers to win the first set 74–70, gaining an early lead in the match.

The second set was a remarkable display of skill, with both teams landing multiple perfect 10s and maintaining extremely close scores. Each arrow heightened the tension, with the lead fluctuating. In the end, the Chero Archers displayed tremendous focus and composure, making a strong comeback to win the set 77–76, leveling the match at 2-2.

The third set began with a brilliant start from the Mighty Marathas, as Mike Schloesser hit a perfect 10. The Chero Archers quickly matched this with a perfect 10, keeping the set fiercely contested. Both teams continued to trade points shot for shot, refusing to allow the other to gain an advantage.

With nerves of steel displayed by both sides, the set ended in a tie at 75-75, leveling the overall score at 3-3. Schloesser opened the fourth set with another perfect 10, giving the Marathas an early boost.

Both teams then engaged in a tight battle, trading points and refusing to yield any advantage. Atanu Das stepped up for the Chero Archers, hitting a perfect 10 and securing crucial points to keep his team in the fight.

In the end, the Mighty Marathas narrowly edged out the set 77-76, sealing the match 5-3 and clinching the victory.