India's star archer Deepika Kumari advanced to the round of 16 at the Paris Olympics with a dominant 6-2 victory over Dutch Roeffen Quinty in the women's individual archery event on July 31. She began with a hard-fought victory over Estonia's Reena Parnat before comfortably defeating Netherlands' Quinty Roeffen in the round of 16. Deepika Kumari staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Quinty. Despite losing the first set, the four-time Olympian, competing in her first Olympics since motherhood, secured a 6-2 victory with scores of 29-28, 27-29, 25-27, and 28-23. She joined compatriot Bhajan Kaur in the next round.
Deepika Kumari shines at Paris Olympics
Deepika Kumari opened the match with a strong first set, scoring two 10s and a 9. Her opponent, Roeffen, responded with a solid set of her own, including a 10 and two 9s. The second set saw a shift in momentum as Roeffen claimed victory, despite Deepika's three 9s. This tied the match at 2-2.
Deepika regained control in the third set, securing a comfortable win despite a less-than-ideal score of 25, which included a seven. Roeffen's miss on the first arrow of the set proved costly. Deepika maintained her momentum in the final set, securing a comfortable 6-2 victory.
Deepika Kumari's Olympic journey began with a thrilling encounter against Estonia's Reena Parnat. Despite a strong start, Deepika faced a setback in the fourth set, allowing her opponent to level the match. The contest ultimately reached a tense shoot-off, where Deepika's composure prevailed with a score of nine, securing victory. India's most decorated archer, Deepika Kumari, will continue her campaign on August 3, facing Germany's Michelle Kroppen in the next round.
India's archery campaign at the Paris Olympics faced mixed results on Tuesday. While 18-year-old Bhajan Kaur advanced to the pre-quarterfinals of the women's individual event, Ankita Bhakat was eliminated in the first round. In the men's category, Dhiraj Bommadevara suffered a disappointing exit in the round of 32.
Meanwhile, India's Bhajan Kaur will also be in action against Indonesia's Diananda Choirunisa, a first-time Olympian and bronze medalist at the Hangzhou Asian Games. Their match is scheduled for 2:05 PM IST on Saturday.
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