YANKTON, USA – Today was the qualification round for both the compound and recurve archers at the 2021 Hyundai World Archery Youth Championships in Yankton, South Dakota.

Starting first thing this morning, the men and women compound archers shot their rounds. Chris Perkins finished the 72-arrow qualification round with a score of 699, which resulted in a 3^rd-place finish. Andrew Fagan finished in 34^th with a score of 685, while Jamie Brehaut shot a score of 663 and landed in 69^th place. Fiona McClean was the sole Canadian representative in the women’s compound event; she shot a score of 645 and placed 52^nd.

Due to his high qualifying score, Perkins receives a bye to the third round. Fagan will face Otgonbayar Lkhamjav from Mongolia and Brehaut will shoot against Antonio Hidalgo from Mexico. McClean will face Giselle Paulina Zaandam de Sousa of Portugal in the first round of elimination.

As a result of the individual qualification rounds, the compound mixed team qualifies with a score of 1344 and sits 18^th-ranked among the other nations. McClean and Perkins made up Canada’s mixed team; they shot, and unfortunately lost, the first round against 15^th-placed Estonia. The match was the closest in the compound field, coming down to the last arrow with Estonia ultimately advancing by 1 point. The compound men’s team shot a total score of 2047 and qualified in 14^th place; they will face Portugal in the first elimination round.

“The compound athletes did very well today. Faced with chilly morning temperatures and unpredictable wind patterns, which tested even the most seasoned athletes on the field, all athletes placed well during qualifications,” summarizes Sonia Schina and Sean McKenty, the compound team leaders. “Christopher Perkins is leading the team with a 699, earning him 3^rd place for individual qualifications. The mixed team matches started later today, with Fiona McClean and Christopher Perkins, qualifying in 18^th place and up against Estonia in the first round. The men’s team finished mid-pack and are looking forward to matches tomorrow. We’re very happy with today’s outcomes, given the challenges they faced with the wind conditions. We anticipate strong placings through the elimination rounds.”