Sarita Kumari Dominates at Paralympics, Storms into Quarterfinals

Indian archer Sarita Kumari showcased an outstanding performance to defeat Italy's Eleonora Sarti and advance to the quarterfinals in the compound women's open category at the Paralympics. She maintained a strong lead throughout the match. Sarita will next face the winner of a clash between Turkey and Indonesia.

Indian archer Sarita Kumari put up a commanding show to down Italy's Eleonora Sarti 141-135 in a one-sided affair and storm into the quarterfinals of the compound women's open category at the Paralympics here on Saturday.

The ninth-seeded Sarita, who won a team silver medal at the Asian Para Games last year, dropped just one point to take a four-point lead in the first end.

There was no looking back as she stretched the lead to five points in the second end where she shot one X (closer to the center).

Her higher-ranked Italian rival pulled off two 10s and took the third end, but Sarita remained in control and sealed the issue with two solid ends.

Sarita earlier knocked out Nur Jannaton Abdul Jalil of Malaysia 138-124 in her first-round clash.

Sarita will face the winner of Onzun Cure Girdi of Turkey and Teodora Audi Ayudia Ferelly of Indonesia in the quarterfinals.

Fancied Indian archer Sarita Devi, who qualified as second seed, will begin her campaign against Mariana Zuniga of Chile later in the day.

In the open class, archers shoot from a sitting position at a distance of 50m at an 80cm five-ring target made up of the 10-6 point bands.

(With inputs from agencies.)