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Sep
02
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Bennett and Stutzman to Join Fabry in Paralympics Semifinals
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By USA Archery |
Sep 02, 2012,
12:00 AM ET
London, England - After today’s quarterfinal action,
two more members of Team USA have advanced to the semifinals, and are
guaranteed the opportunity to compete for a Paralympic Games medal.
Matt Stutzman (Fairfield, Iowa) and teammate Dugie
Denton (Joliet, Mont.) shot in an inspiring and truly impressive match in the
compound men’s open quarterfinals. In the first set, the archers tied with 28 points
and in the second end they tied again with 29 points. Denton took the third set
by one point shooting a perfect 30 to Stutzman’s 29, bringing the match score
to 4-2.
In the fourth set Stutzman shot a 28 to
Denton’s 27, which tied the match at 4-4. Pushing the match to a fifth set,
Denton shot 10-10-8 for 28 points but Stutzman shot a 9-10-10 for 29 points,
scoring a hard-fought win and a semifinals berth.
At the end of the match the archers received
a well-deserved standing ovation from the audience. After watching the match, President
of Archery GB David Harrison tweeted, “I have just been privileged to watch the most
inspirational archery match in my life.”
Eric Bennett (Surprise, Ariz.), competing in
the recurve men’s standing quarterfinals, took an early 4-0 lead over Oguzhan
Polat (TUR). Polat refused to go down without a fight, tying the third set and
winning the fourth. Bennett led 5-3 going into the final set. Polat shot a
9-8-8 for 25 points, but Bennett responded with an amazing 9-10-10 to clinch
the match.
“On to the
Semi-Finals and Medal Rounds tomorrow!” Bennett commented in an update to fans.
“All three [other archers] are amazing archers but I feel confident and calm. I
will do all I can do and will be happy with the result no matter what happens
but want that gold medal around my neck!”
Tomorrow three members of Team USA will shoot in the semifinals.
In recurve men’s standing, Bennett will face Timur Tuchinov (RUS) at 10:45 am (5:45
am ET). In men's compound W1 Jeff Fabry (Tulare, Calif.) will shoot against
Norbert Murphy (CAN) at 3:15 pm (10:15 am ET). In men's compound open, Stutzman
faces Guillermo Rodriguez Gonzalez (ESP) at 3:30 pm (10:30 am ET).
For complete standings
for all athletes who competed today, as well as elimination round brackets, click here. Photos, athlete updates and
more are available on USA
Archery’s Facebook page. USA Archery is tweeting live updates throughout
the event, on London time.