Marathas Mighty!: Dhiraj, Schloesser Lead Team to Title in Archery Premier League

Led by a sensational performance by their recurve star Dhiraj Bommadevara who finished the final off with an arrow into the inner X-ring as Marathas beat local franchise Knights 6-2. While Dhiraj shot an unbelievable 79 out of 80 in the title clash, leading the way for Marathas was ‘Mr. Perfect’ Mike Schloesser, who lived up to his nickname and finished with 80 out of the possible 80.

The Knights entered the final riding high on a win over Marathas on Saturday in the last league match as well as another victory against the same opponents in the first qualifier. But Marathas had to take the scenic route, after losing to Knights but defeating Prithviraaj Yodhas in the second Eliminator to earn their place in the finale.

“Believing in each other, keeping patience, and attack-attack-attack,” Dhiraj said, when asked what the mantra was behind the Marathas’ turnaround.

“To be honest, the truth is that we changed nothing after losing the first match (qualifier against Knights), and that I think is the beauty of this team,” added Dhiraj, who was fittingly crowned the male recurve archer of the day as well as the entire tournament.

The Results

Final: Mighty Marathas bt Kakatiya Knights 6-2 (75-75, 77-76, 75-75, 79-73). Shortcut Decider: Kakatiya Knights drew with Mighty Marathas 4-4 (75-73, 75-76, 76-77, 77-76) — Knights won shootoff 2-0. Eliminator-2: Mighty Marathas bt Prithviraaj Yodhas 5-3 (74-78, 76-76, 77-72, 78-76)

BEST ARCHERS OF THE DAY

Recurve male: Dhiraj Bommadevara (Marathas). Recurve female: Elia Canales (Knights). Compound male: Mike Schloesser (Marathas). Compound female: Prithika Pradeep (Chero)

BEST ARCHERS OF THE TOURNAMENT

Recurve male: Dhiraj Bommadevara (Marathas). Recurve female: Sangeeta (Rajputana Royals). Compound male: Mathias Fullerton (Chero). Compound female: Alejandra Usquiano (Chiefs)