Marathas Survive Archers’ Fightback to Win Thrilling Shoot-Off in Archery Premier League
Archery Premier League: Marathas Win a Nail-Biter
Mighty Marathas outlasted Chero Archers in a thrilling shoot-off at Season 2 of the Archery Premier League, securing a 2–1 tie-break victory after the teams finished level at 4–4 at People’s Plaza on Monday.
Chero Archers began strongly, taking the opening set 76–74. However, the Marathas stayed in contention as both sides finished the second and third sets level at 76–76 and 77–77 respectively.
The contest went down to the final set, where the Archers initially held their advantage. The Marathas responded with a high-scoring finish, levelling the overall match at 4–4 after a close check of the arrows’ landing positions. With neither team able to secure the match in regulation, the encounter moved to a decisive shoot-off.
Aman Saini and Dhiraj Bommadevara Deliver
The shoot-off brought the contest to a dramatic conclusion. Aman Saini and Dhiraj Bommadevara hit the yellow ring for Mighty Marathas, while Mathias Fullerton was the only Chero Archers shooter to match that feat.
The Marathas ultimately won the tie-break 2–1, turning a tightly fought team contest into a crucial victory. The result highlighted the importance of composure in the shoot-off, where a single arrow can decide the outcome.
Match score: Mighty Marathas 4–4 Chero Archers (74–76, 76–76, 77–77, 77–76); Marathas won 2–1 in the shoot-off.
Rajputana Royals Beat Chola Chiefs 5–1
Defending champions Rajputana Royals produced a comfortable 5–1 victory over Chola Chiefs, taking control of the match early.
The Royals won the opening set 71–63 and followed it with a 74–69 victory in the second. Chola Chiefs brought in Deepika Kumari and Marcus D’Almeida for the third set in an attempt to change the momentum.
Although the substitutes improved the Chiefs’ performance, the third set finished 78–78. Mete Gazoz then delivered a decisive final arrow, scoring a 10 to help the defending champions complete the win.
Match score: Rajputana Royals beat Chola Chiefs 5–1 (71–63, 74–69, 78–78).
Kakatiya Knights Spoil Yodhas’ Push
Kakatiya Knights defeated Prithviraj Yodhas 6–2, frustrating the Yodhas’ bid to climb to the top of the standings.
With Nico Wiener back in the team, the Knights made an immediate impact, racing to a 4–0 lead. Wiener, Neeraj Chauhan and Elia Canales then did enough in the final set to secure the victory.
The Yodhas managed to take the third set 76–72, but could not build on that response. Jyothi Surekha had an unusually difficult outing as the Knights maintained their advantage and closed out the match.
Match score: Kakatiya Knights beat Prithviraj Yodhas 6–2 (77–76, 76–75, 72–76, 77–73).
Archery Premier League Delivers High-Pressure Action
The latest round of the Archery Premier League Season 2 offered three contrasting contests: a shoot-off thriller between the Marathas and Archers, a controlled win for the defending champions, and a strong performance from Kakatiya Knights.
For Mighty Marathas, the ability to recover from an opening-set loss and hold their nerve in the tie-break proved decisive. Rajputana Royals demonstrated their consistency, while the Knights made the most of Wiener’s return to defeat the Yodhas.
With close sets and pressure-packed final arrows shaping the day, the league continues to showcase the precision and teamwork that make elite archery competitions compelling.
