Archery Premier League: Chero Archers thrash Kakatiya Knights 6-0 to stay on top
Synopsis
A day after a gut-wrenching 'sudden death' loss, Chero Archers stormed back with a flawless 6-0 rout of Kakatiya Knights in Hyderabad — world No. 1 Mathias Fullerton top-scoring with 59 off six arrows and captain Atanu Das delivering clutch 10s. At three wins from four, the Archers look like the team to beat as the APL's second season builds toward its 18 October finale.
Key Takeaways
Chero Archers defeated Kakatiya Knights 6-0 on 11 October at People's Plaza, Hyderabad .
The win gives Chero Archers three victories from four matches in APL Season 2 .
1 Mathias Fullerton (Denmark) was the highest scorer with 59 out of six arrows .
Captain Atanu Das and Casey Kaufhold were pivotal in a tense third set that finished 67-67 before the Archers pulled ahead.
Kakatiya Knights are now at two wins, two defeats after dropping Nico Wiener from their line-up.
The APL grand finale is scheduled for 18 October , with the top four teams advancing to semifinals.
Chero Archers delivered a commanding 6-0 victory over Kakatiya Knights at People's Plaza, Hyderabad, on Sunday, 11 October, to maintain their strong momentum in the second season of the Archery Premier League (APL). The win, coming just a day after a heartbreaking 'sudden death' defeat, underscored the team's resilience and depth as they now stand at three wins from four matches.
Fullerton and Das Lead the Charge
World No. 1 compound archer Mathias Fullerton of Denmark was the match's highest scorer, putting up a stellar 59 out of six arrows, while team captain Atanu Das continued his exceptional run of form with clutch shooting at crucial moments. The duo, supported by Sahil Rajesh Jadhav, gave Chero Archers a compound-heavy edge that proved too strong for the Knights to match.
Set-by-Set Breakdown
The first set set the tone early — despite a low 6 from Casey Kaufhold on the final arrow, Chero Archers had already put up an outstanding 69 out of 70 on their first seven arrows. The second set featured a standout moment from Das, whose arrow hit the precise centre of the target face for an X, keeping the Archers well ahead. The third set was the tightest, with both teams locked at 38-38 after four arrows each. But when Das struck another 10 to level at 67-67, Kaufhold sealed the win with a composed final arrow, demonstrating cool nerve under pressure.
Knights Shake Up Their Line-Up
The local Hyderabad franchise made a notable change ahead of the contest, bringing in Shivshankar Landkar in place of Austrian compound star Nico Wiener. Both Landkar and Jyothi Surekha Vennam showed good form for the Knights, but the visitors' collective firepower proved decisive. Kakatiya Knights now sit at two wins and two defeats for the season.
What the Players Said
'Last year was tough for us, this time we have a super strong team and we are managing the time really well,' said Atanu Das after the match. Kaufhold, known for staying calm under tight time constraints, added: 'I just see it as fun. When I look at the clock and it says 11 seconds, I am like, you know let's go. What else can you do, other than step up and shoot a good arrow?'
What's Next at APL 2025
Action resumes on Monday with Chero Archers facing Mighty Marathas in the opening contest of the day. Defending champions Rajputana Royals then take on an inconsistent Chola Chiefs side, before Prithviraaj Yodhas battle Kakatiya Knights in the evening fixture. The league — the world's first franchise-based archery competition, initiated by the Archery Association of India and featuring six teams, 48 archers (36 Indians and 12 elite internationals) — culminates with the grand finale on 18 October, with the top four sides advancing to the semifinals.
Point of View
With a world No. 1 compound shooter, an in-form Das, and the mental composure Kaufhold demonstrated under an 11-second clock. The APL's franchise format is still finding its identity, but this kind of high-quality set play — a third set resolved at 67-67 — is exactly the drama the league needs to grow its audience. Kakatiya Knights, the hometown side, will need to solve their consistency puzzle fast if they want a top-four finish before the 18 October finale.
NationPress
11 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the result of the Chero Archers vs Kakatiya Knights APL match?
Chero Archers beat Kakatiya Knights 6-0 on 11 October at People's Plaza in Hyderabad, taking their season record to three wins from four matches in APL Season 2.
Who was the top scorer in the Chero Archers vs Kakatiya Knights match?
World No. 1 compound archer Mathias Fullerton of Denmark was the highest scorer of the match, putting up 59 out of six arrows for Chero Archers.
How does the Archery Premier League work?
The APL is the world's first franchise-based archery league, initiated by the Archery Association of India. It features six teams and 48 archers — 36 Indians and 12 elite internationals — competing at People's Plaza in Hyderabad, with the top four teams advancing to semifinals before the grand finale on 18 October.
Who plays in the Archery Premier League on Monday after this result?
On Monday, Chero Archers face Mighty Marathas, defending champions Rajputana Royals take on Chola Chiefs, and Prithviraaj Yodhas meet Kakatiya Knights.
What changes did Kakatiya Knights make for the match against Chero Archers?
Kakatiya Knights dropped Austrian compound star Nico Wiener from their starting line-up, bringing in Shivshankar Landkar alongside Jyothi Surekha Vennam. Despite showing good form, the Knights could not match Chero Archers' collective firepower.
