Archery Premier League: Chola Chiefs End Five-Match Losing Streak With Dramatic Shoot-Off Win

The Chola Chiefs finally found their winning touch, ending a five-match losing streak with a thrilling 2-0 victory in the Hit-or-Miss shoot-off against Prithviraaj Yodhas after their Archery Premier League Season 2 encounter ended 4-4 in regulation time on Thursday.

With their top-four hopes hanging by a thread, the Chiefs held their nerve when it mattered most. Colombia’s Alejandra Usquiano and India’s Yuktha Sri Kondapavuluri hit the golden X-ring in the tie-breaker, while the remaining archers failed to register a hit, handing the Chiefs a crucial victory on the eighth day of the competition.

The Chiefs had looked in control after winning the opening two sets and appeared well placed to seal the match in the third. However, recurve archers Yuktha Sri and Marcus D’Almeida hit the 7-ring, giving the Yodhas an opening to fight back.

Led by a superb X-ring shot from Gatha Khadake, the Yodhas claimed the final set to force the shoot-off, threatening to turn the contest around after trailing for much of the match.

But Usquiano rose to the occasion, delivering a brilliant X-ring hit to set the tone for the tie-breaker. The Colombian compound archer also produced an outstanding individual performance, finishing with a perfect 80 out of 80 in regulation time, among the finest displays of the season.

The victory takes the Chiefs to four points, keeping their hopes of a top-four finish alive, while the Yodhas remain on six points.

The second season of the league features a revamped playoff format that gives the top two teams an additional opportunity to qualify for Sunday's grand final. The third- and fourth-placed sides will meet in Eliminator 1 on October 17, with the winner advancing to Eliminator 2.

Friday's schedule will see defending champions Rajputana Royals face the Chola Chiefs, followed by the Prithviraaj Yodhas taking on local franchise Kakatiya Knights. Mighty Marathas will meet Chero Archers in the final match of the day.