Chan takes silver after shaky start

Veteran Jennifer Chan fell two points behind after just three arrows in the gold medal match and played catch-up the rest of the way to settle for silver in the women’s compound event of the third Asian Archery Grand Prix yesterday at the Ateneo De Manila open field.

Myanmar’s Aung Ngeain came up with a 29 (10-10-9) in her first three shots while Chan managed just a triple nine (27) and the Burmese kept the lead throughout the 12-arrow shootout for a 116-114 victory and the gold medal. Sakineh Ghasem of Iran defeated Abbigail Tindugan of Philippines, 111-106, in the battle for the bronze medal.

Chan and Ngeain matched 29s in the second set and the Filipina still found herself trailing by two, 84-86, after nine arrows.

It was the country’s second silver medal in the competition that drew participation from 17 countries after Earl Benjamin Yap placed second in the men’s compound event on Monday.

“I had a bad start. I tried to catch up but she performed well. I gave it my best and enjoyed the game.’ said Chan, who had a bout with flu for five days last week and had only one day to prepare for the event.

The 43-year-old Chan, who had dominated the qualifying rounds Sunday with a 682 to Ngeain’s 667, tries anew today as she joins Tindugan and rookie Arlene Infante in trying to defend the country’s title in the women’s compound team event.

“We’re not as strong as we were the last time because we have one rookie in the team (Infante), but she’s also good. ” Chan said.

Infante was included in the squad as a replacement for Amaya Paz.

In the men’s recurve category, Rajul Bannerjee of India scored 114 to win the gold, beating compatriot Rajib Basumatary, who had 109. Riau Ega Agatha Salsabilla of India wound up with bronze after beating countryman Adonda Raju, 111-101.