Figueroa rules national archery

Athens-bound Jasmin Figueroa outsteadied Rachelle Anne Cabral after two shootoffs to emerge national women’s archery champion Friday at the rain-soaked UP-PSC range in Diliman, QC.

The 19-year-old Figueroa, Vietnam SEA Games gold medalist along with Cabral, scored seven points in the second shootoff to nip Cabral by one.

The two ended tied at 96 points after 12 arrows in the final match of the Olympic round and then tied again with nine points each in the first shootoff.

"This (win) definitely boosts my confidence as I prepare for the Athens Olympics," said Figueroa, one of 108 participants from 14 teams in the tourney organized by the National Archery Association of the Philippines and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission.

Edwina delos Reyes ranked third with 103 points.

Cabral got some consolation when she won the adult level (recurve) over Figueroa, 95-89.

Janina Bianca Ortiza topped the women’s adult level (compound division) with 106 points, followed by Ma. Amaya Paz (105) and Marcille Grapa (77).

Martirez nosed out Mary Grace Cabral, 10 points to nine, in the shootoff after they wound up with identical 90 points after their 12-arrow match.

The other women’s and girls’ winners: Edwina delos Reyes, 106 points, FITA competitive; Mariejo Martirez, 90, standard round; Mary Grace Cabral, 546 points, standard, 50 meters, and 668, standard, 30 meters; Monica Bea Bravo, 69, junior; and Chesca Dellarazabal, 79, cadet.

The runners-up were Justin Megan Yu and Rona Mar Alvarez, FITA competitive; Gala Avery Junio, standard round; Ivy Alarcon and Chinee de Leon, standard (50m); Grace Dolfo and Marijo Martirez, standard (30m); Ara Ma. Rosario Mercado, junior; and Crisaville Merto, cadet.