Archer Cojuangco wins first match in Shanghai World Cup

VETERAN Amaya PazCojuangco hurdled her Dutch opponent on Thursday in the women's individual compound knockout round of the 2017 Hyundai World Cup in Shanghai, China.

Cojuangco's victory over No. 37 Martine Couwenburg of the Netherlands in the second round, set her up against No. 5 Gizem Elmaagacli of Turkey.

The Filipina archer, who is ranked No. 28 among 62 entries, must beat the 19-year-old Elmaagacli to earn a slot in the final eight of the tournament that will end on May 21.

Cojuangco's teammates Jennifer Chan, Kim Concepcion and Abbigail Tindugan were eliminated by their respective opponents.

Chan, the second best performer among the Filipinos with a ranking of 42, lost to Russian Natalia Avdeeva in the second round. Avdeeva will be up against Jyothi Surekha Vennam (No. 10) of India, who defeated Sunee Detchokul (No. 58) of Thailand.

Concepcion (No. 60) lost to Sandra Herve (No. 53) of France in the first round. The Frenchwoman, however, bowed to Divya Dhayal (No. 12) of India in the second round.

Tindugan (No. 61) won over Suvaporm Anutaraporn (No. 52) of Thailand to advance in the second round against Toja Ellison (No. 13) of Slovenia. However, Tindugan was beaten by her Slovenian rival.

Ellison will meet American Cassidy Cox (No. 20) in the third round. Cox prevailed over Triya Resky Andriyani (No. 33) of Indonesia in the second round.

The Philippines, which ranks 14th among 16 teams after 216 arrows, will meet No. 3 Denmark in the Olympic round. Jean Malanum/PNA