Archery Premier League: Knights, Marathas through to playoffs

Kakatiya Knights and Mighty Marathas became the first teams to seal their spots in the playoffs of the Archery Premier league Season 2 at People’s Plaza on Friday. Knights got the better of Prithviraj Yodhas while Marathas beat Chero Archers.

Buoyed by the return of the in-form Neeraj Chauhan, Knights were off to a strong start by taking the first set 77-74. The second saw Yodhas and Knights split the points and points were shared in the third too. In the fourth, Knights bagged 79 to seal the contest.

In the final match, Dhiraj Bommadevara returned to the line-up for Marathas, who swept aside Archers 6-0. While Mathias Fullerton was once again in fine form with a perfect 60, the rest of Archers’ team struggled for consistency.

Earlier, Chola Chiefs registered its third win of the season, beating defending champion Rajputana Royals. Royals made a poor start after Tokyo Olympic champion Mete Gazoz finished with a six.

They then replaced Swati Dudhwal with Ella Gibson and took the second set comfortably. Chiefs, led by a perfect 40 from their compound archers, bagged the third before Rajat shot a clutch nine with the final arrow to give his side the win.

The scores: Chola Chiefs bt Rajputana Royals 5-3 (77-69, 73-78, 76-74, 76-76).

Kakatiya Knights bt Prithviraaj Yodhas 6-2 (77-74, 76-76, 77-77, 79-75).

Mighty Marathas bt Chero Archers 6-0 (75-74, 77-75, 76-71).