PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian men’s recurve team are back in the world’s top 10, thanks to their fourth-place finish at last week’s third leg of the World Cup in Antalya, Turkey.
The team, led by Khairul Anuar Mohamad, put up their best showing of the season to climb up three rungs to No. 8 in the latest rankings released by World Archery Federation on Monday.
The Malaysians were ranked 11th last month.
Malaysia are now on 256 points, ahead of France (247.50) and China (227.25).
South Korea, who clinched back-to-back victories in the second leg in Medellin, Colombia, and Antalya, remain on top with 412.50 points followed by the United States (384.50) and Mexico (312).
Malaysia’s highest-ever ranking was third in April 2009.
In the individual event, Khairul remains at No. 8 despite a poor showing in Antalya. He bowed out in the second round.
Khairul, whose best run this season was reaching semi-finals in Medellin last month, has 158.50 points.
The 22-year-old needs to be more consistent if he wants to break into top three again. He was the highest-ranked Malaysian in the world at No. 3 in July last year.
Team-mate Haziq Kamaruddin has 66.60 points, dropping from 44th to 51st spot. As for Atiq Bazil Bakri, he has 58.30 points to remain at No. 55.
South Korea’s Lee Seung-yeun, on 311.50 points, is the new No. 1, taking over from compatriot Oh Jin-hyek (295.50). Dai Xiaoxiang, China’s Olympic bronze medallist, is third with a 224 total.
Limited time offer:
Just RM5 per month.
