BEIJING, Sept 9 (Bernama) -- Unpredictable weather and windy conditions failed to dampen the spirit of Malaysian archers Mohd Salam Sidik and Zulkifli Mat Zin who advanced to the knockout stage when archery competitions of the 13th Beijing Paralympics got underway Tuesday.
In the men's individual ranking round for W1/W2 wheelchair recurve event, Mohd Salam and Zulkifli finished in eighth and 12th positions respectively, out of 30 participants, after completing 72 arrows.
"I was very nervous in the first round but managed to regain my confidence when the second round started. It was raining and the windy conditions hampered our performances a bit but not our spirits," Mohd Salam said when met by Bernama at the Olympic Green Archery Field here Tuesday.
In the first round, Mohd Salam polled 305 points but put up a better show in the second, to collect 315 points for a two-round total of 620 points that put him in eighth placing.
He meets Italy's Antonio Lisotta, who finished in 25th place, when the knockout competition starts Wednesday.
Another Malaysian archer, Zulkifli, with 610 points finished in 12th spot and takes on Miroslav Kacina of Slovakia who finished in 21st spot.
"My performance today was below par compared to my previous best in other international competitions and I am a little disappointed but I must put today's results aside and concentrate on my task tomorrow," said Zulkifli.
Ukraine's Taras Chopyk topped the ranking round today with 636 points which equalled the world and Paralympics record held by South Korea's Lee Hong-gu since the 2000 Sydney Paralympics.
Meanwhile, national archery coach Johari Abu Bakar was pleased with the performances of his charges as both were able to shoot more than 300 points in every round.
"Based on their capabilities and performances today, I will be happy if they can make it to the semi-finals," he said.
-- BERNAMA
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