India opened its medal account with a silver medal in the fourth phase of the Archery World Cup after the women’s compound team lost 228-232 to Colombia in the final on Saturday.The Indian trio of Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Prithika Pradeep and Chikitha Taniparthi struggled to maintain consistency while Colombia clinch the title with a composed performance.India are ranked third in the world in the event and were winners of the first phase of the World Cup opener in Mexico, but were unable to match Colombia in the title race. Teenager Prithika Pradeep was India’s top performer, posting six perfect 10s, including two flawless finishes. However, a poor performance from veteran archer Jyothi Surekha Vennam, who managed just three teners from her eight arrows, hurt India’s chances.Colombia’s Alejandra Usquiano proved to be the difference when she hit eight consecutive 10-point games to lead her team to victory. Former world champion Sara Lopez wasn’t at her best, but Usquiano’s consistency kept the Colombian in control throughout the fight.India still has a chance to increase its medal tally later in the tournament. Priscica has reached the semifinals of the women’s compound individual competition and is one win away from another medal.The recurve team also remains in contention. Teenager Kirti Sharma, who made her World Cup debut in Antalya last month, has advanced to the women’s individual semi-finals and will join India’s top-ranked Dhiraj Bomadewala in the recurve mixed team bronze medal play-off, giving her a chance to end the tournament with two medals.
